Definition of "earwig" in English

noun

1. 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.

   • 2002, Maurice Burton, Robert Burton, Nuthatch, entry in International Wildlife Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition, page 1762, Nuthatches search the crevices of bark at other times during the year for insects, including beetles, earwigs, flies and bugs, and they open galls (swellings in plants) to extract grubs.
   • 2008, John L. Capinera (editor), European Earwig, Forficula auricularia, Linnaeus (Dermaptera: Forficulidae), entry in Encyclopedia of Entomology, page 1370, Adults can use the cerci in defense, twisting the abdomen forward over the head or sideways to engage an enemy, often another earwig. Earwigs are nocturnal, spending the day hidden under leaf debris, in cracks and crevices, and in other dark locations.

2. One who whispers insinuations; a secret counsellor.

3. A flatterer.

verb

1. (transitive) To fill the mind of with prejudice by insinuations.

2. (transitive) To attempt to influence by persistent confidential argument or talk.

3. (intransitive, UK, slang) To eavesdrop.

4. (transitive, UK, slang) To eavesdrop on.