Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Earwig"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Earwig \Ear"wig`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Earwigged}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Earwigging}.]
To influence, or attempt to influence, by whispered
insinuations or private talk. ``No longer was he earwigged by
the Lord Cravens.'' --Lord Campbell.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Earwig \Ear"wig`\, n. [AS. e['a]rwicga; e['a]re ear + wicga
beetle, worm: cf. Prov. E. erri-wiggle.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Any insect of the genus {Forticula} and related
genera, belonging to the order Euplexoptera.
2. (Zo["o]l.) In America, any small chilopodous myriapod,
esp. of the genus {Geophilus}.
Note: Both insects are so called from the supposition that
they creep into the human ear.
3. A whisperer of insinuations; a secret counselor.
--Johnson.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
earwig
n : any of numerous insects of the order Dermaptera having
elongate bodies and slender many-jointed antennae and a
pair of large pincers at the rear of the abdomen
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