n. & v.
n. 1 any small elongate insect of the order Dermaptera, with a pair of terminal appendages in the shape of forceps. 2 US a small centipede.
v.tr. (earwigged, earwigging) archaic influence (a person) by secret communication.
[ OE earwicga f. eare EAR(1) + wicga earwig, prob. rel. to wiggle: once thought to enter the head through the ear ]