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Webster 1913 Edition

Earwig

Ear′wigˊ

(ēr′wĭgˊ)
,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Earwigged
(ēr′wĭgdˊ)
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Earwigging
(ēr′wĭg-gĭng)
.]
To influence, or attempt to influence, by whispered insinuations or private talk.
“No longer was he earwigged by the Lord Cravens.”
Lord Campbell.

Webster 1828 Edition

Earwig

E'ARWIG

,
Noun.
A genus of insects of the order of Coleopters. The antennae are bristly; the elytra dimidiated; the wings covered; and the tail forked. This animal is called in Latin forficula, from the forceps at the end of the abdomen. The English name was given to it from an ill founded notion that the animal creeps into the ear and causes injury.
In New England, this name is vulgarly given to a species of centiped.

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