earwig Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun 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

WordNet

Ear"wig` noun
Etymology
AS. eárwicga; eáre ear + wicga beetle, worm: cf. Prov. E. erri-wiggle.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) Any insect of the genus Forticula and related genera, belonging to the order Euplexoptera.
  2. (Zoöl.) In America, any small chilopodous myriapod, esp. of the genus Geophilus. ✍ Both insects are so called from the supposition that they creep into the human ear.
  3. A whisperer of insinuations; a secret counselor. Johnson.
Ear"wig` transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Earwigged ; present participle & verbal noun Earwigging
Definitions
  1. To influence, or attempt to influence, by whispered insinuations or private talk. "No longer was he earwigged by the Lord Cravens." Lord Campbell.

Webster 1913