I. ˈi(ə)rˌwig, ˈiəˌ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English erwigge, from Old English ēarwicga, from ēar- (from eare ear) + wicga insect; probably from a belief that the insect creeps into the human ear — more at ear , vetch I
1.
a. : any of numerous insects of the order Dermaptera having slender many-jointed antennae, a pair of large forceps at the end of the body the use of which is unknown, the fore wings when wings are present modified into elytra, and nymphs that are very similar to the adults
b. : any of various small centipedes (as those of the genus Geophilus )
2.
a. archaic : a whispering busybody : toady , flatterer
b. : eavesdropper
II. transitive verb
( earwigged ; earwigged ; earwigging ; earwigs )
: to annoy or attempt to influence by private talk