| earwig | 1. <zoology> Any insect of the genus Forticula and related genera, belonging to the order Euplexoptera. 2. <zoology> In America, any small chilopodous myriapod, especially. 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. Origin: AS. Earwicga; eare ear + wicga beetle, worm: cf. Prov. E. Erri-wiggle. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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