[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

earwig \ear"wig`\ =er"wi^g`, n. as. e'arwicga; e'are
   ear + wicga beetle, worm: cf. prov. e. erri-wiggle.
   1. zo"ol. any insect of the genus forficula and related
      genera, belonging to the order dermaptera formerly
      euplexoptera. they have elongated bodies and a
      prominent pair of curved pincers at the rear of their
      abdomen.
      1913 webster + pjc

   2. zo"ol. in america, any small chilopodous myriapod,
      esp. of the genus geophilus. see geophilus
      1913 webster

   note: both insects are so called from the supposition that
         they creep into the human ear.
         1913 webster

   3. a whisperer of insinuations; a secret counselor.
      --johnson.
      1913 webster
see also:
forficula dermaptera euplexoptera geophilus 

[2] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

earwig \ear"wig`\ =er"wi^g`, v. t. imp.  p. p.
   earwigged =er"wi^gd`; p. pr.  vb. n. earwigging
   =er"wi^ggi^ng.
   to influence, or attempt to influence, by whispered
   insinuations or private talk. "no longer was he earwigged by
   the lord cravens." --lord campbell.
   1913 webster
see also:
earwigged earwigging 

[3] : WordNet (r) 2.0

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

Ear-Wig >> E Words
Ear-Wig, definition of term: Ear-Wig
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