earwig

noun

No English definition recorded for this entry.

L319927 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈɪə(ɹ)wɪɡ/

noun

Etymology: From Middle English erwigge, from Old English ēarwicga, from ēare (“ear”) + wicga (“insect”), so named from the appearance of the hindwings, which are unique in their resemblance to human ears when unfolded.

Any of various insects of the order Dermaptera that have elongated bodies, large membranous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings and a pair of large pincers protruding from the rear of the abdomen.
“"That's a fine young fellow," said the historiographer of earwigs, to an American who stood next him in the crowd.”
“The idea was probably strengthened by the earwig′s appearance, with a sharp, pincer-like appendage extending to the rear. However, earwigs are herbivores, and they are no more likely to enter an ear than are ants, bees, flies, or any other small insect. Even when earwigs do occasionally find their way into human ears, they cannot burrow their way through the skin and into the brain.”
One who whispers insinuations; a secret counsellor.
“That gawdy earwig, or my lord your patron, Whose pensioner you are.”
A flatterer.

verb

To fill the mind of with prejudice by insinuations.
To attempt to influence by persistent confidential argument or talk.
“In the interim, rest assured that Mr. Atherstone is by no means your friend, for he was perpetually earwigging poor Sir Rowland.”
“The hon. gentleman Mr. Reynolds had expressed his fears that the Government would allow themselves to be earwigged out of the money.”
To eavesdrop.
“He had heard nothing from Fin, or anyone else, since the angry exchange the other night and was worried about how things were going, but he couldn′t ask about the LeMotts, not with Mum earwigging.”
“The nameless earwigging writer scrawled in his notebook that “MS and CT also considered that such low life would have a greater pride and satisfaction in life if they could themselves be cooked and served still bleating to rich diners.″”
To eavesdrop on.
“We are meeting at a friendly, higher-end Shanghai brunching spot beloved of expats—cramped and informal enough that one of the three bankers at the next table is cheerfully earwigging our conversation.”