Earwig (ērw&ibreve_;g), 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.
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2. (Zoöl.) In America, any small chilopodous myriapod, esp. of the genus Geophilus. See Geophilus
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&hand_; Both insects are so called from the supposition that they creep into the human ear.
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3. A whisperer of insinuations; a secret counselor. Johnson.
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