earwig

[ eer-wig ]
/ ˈɪərˌwɪg /

noun

any of numerous elongate, nocturnal insects of the order Dermaptera, having a pair of large, movable pincers at the rear of the abdomen.

verb (used with object), ear·wigged, ear·wig·ging.

to fill the mind of with prejudice by insinuations.

Origin of earwig

before 1000; Middle English erwigge, Old English ēarwicga ear insect; from the notion that it enters people's ears. See wiggle

British Dictionary definitions for earwigging (1 of 2)

earwigging
/ (ˈɪəˌwɪɡɪŋ) /

noun

informal a scolding or harangue I'll give him an earwigging about that

British Dictionary definitions for earwigging (2 of 2)

earwig
/ (ˈɪəˌwɪɡ) /

noun

any of various insects of the order Dermaptera, esp Forficula auricularia (common European earwig), which typically have an elongated body with small leathery forewings, semicircular membranous hindwings, and curved forceps at the tip of the abdomen

verb -wigs, -wigging or -wigged

informal to eavesdrop
(tr) archaic to attempt to influence (a person) by private insinuation

Word Origin for earwig

Old English ēarwicga, from ēare ear 1 + wicga beetle, insect; probably from a superstition that the insect crept into human ears