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earwig

 - 3 dictionary results

ear⋅wig

  [eer-wig] noun, verb, -wigged, -wig⋅ging.
Use earwig in a Sentence
–noun
1. any of numerous elongate, nocturnal insects of the order Dermaptera, having a pair of large, movable pincers at the rear of the abdomen.
–verb (used with object)
2. to fill the mind of with prejudice by insinuations.
Origin:
bef. 1000; ME erwigge, OE ēarwicga ear insect; from the notion that it enters people's ears. See wiggle
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To earwig
ear·wig   (îr'wĭg')   
n.  Any of various elongate insects of the order Dermaptera, having a pair of pincerlike appendages protruding from the rear of the abdomen.
tr.v.   ear·wigged, ear·wig·ging, ear·wigs
To attempt to influence by persistent confidential argument or talk.

[Middle English erwig, from Old English ēarwicga : ēare, ear; see ear1 + wicga, insect; see wegh- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

earwig 
(Forficula auricularia), O.E. earwicga, from eare (see ear (1)) + wicga "beetle, worm," probably related to wiggle. So called from the ancient and widespread (but false) belief that the garden pest went into people's ears.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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