(n)any of numerous insects of the order Dermaptera having elongate bodies and slender many-jointed antennae and a pair of large pincers at the rear of the abdomen
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. [ AS. eárwicga; eáre ear + wicga beetle, worm: cf. Prov. E. erri-wiggle. ] 1. (Zoöl.) Any insect of the genus Forficula and related genera, belonging to the order Dermaptera (formerly Euplexoptera). They have elongated bodies and a prominent pair of curved pincers at the rear of their abdomen. [ 1913 Webster + PJC ]
2. (Zoöl.) In America, any small chilopodous myriapod, esp. of the genus Geophilus. See Geophilus [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ Both insects are so called from the supposition that they creep into the human ear. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. A whisperer of insinuations; a secret counselor. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Earwigged p. pr. & vb. n. Earwigging ] To influence, or attempt to influence, by whispered insinuations or private talk. “No longer was he earwigged by the Lord Cravens.” Lord Campbell. [ 1913 Webster ]