earwig /ˈɪə(ɹ)wɪɡ/verb 4noun 3forms 3 verb4 •(UK, slang) To eavesdrop.He had heard nothing from Fin, or anyone else, since the angry exchange the other night and was worried about how things were going, but he couldn′t ask about the LeMotts, not with Mum earwigging. — 2007 •(UK, slang) To eavesdrop on. •To fill the mind of with prejudice by insinuations. •To attempt to influence by persistent confidential argument or talk.In the interim, rest assured that Mr. Atherstone is by no means your friend, for he was perpetually earwigging poor Sir Rowland. — 1831 noun3 •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."That's a fine young fellow," said the historiographer of earwigs, to an American who stood next him in the crowd. — 1856 •One who whispers insinuations; a secret counsellor.That gawdy earwig, or my lord your patron, Whose pensioner you are. — 1633 •A flatterer. formsearwigged · earwigging · earwigs
