Earwig

Quick meaning: Earwig is a noun meaning One who whispers insinuations; a secret counsellor.

Meaning

One who whispers insinuations; a secret counsellor.

More Meanings

1. A flatterer.
2. (transitive) To fill the mind of with prejudice by insinuations.
3. (transitive) To attempt to influence by persistent confidential argument or talk.
4. (intransitive, UK, slang) To eavesdrop.
5. (transitive, UK, slang) To eavesdrop on.
6. Any of various insects of the order Dermaptera that have elongated bodies, large membranous wings folded underneath short leathery forewings and a pair of large pincers protruding from the rear of the abdomen.

Example Sentences

That gawdy earwig, or my lord your patron, Whose pensioner you are.

"That's a fine young fellow," said the historiographer of earwigs, to an American who stood next him in the crowd.

In the interim, rest assured that Mr. Atherstone is by no means your friend, for he was perpetually earwigging poor Sir Rowland.

The hon. gentleman Mr. Reynolds had expressed his fears that the Government would allow themselves to be earwigged out of the money.

Word Forms

• earwigs
• earwigging
• earwigged

Synonyms for earwig

Depending on context, synonyms include forkytail, twinge.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include dermapteran, earworm, lacewing, earywig, underwing, palaeopteran.

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