Earwig

Definition of earwig:

part of speech: noun

A common insect with forceps at its tail, incorrectly supposed to creep into the brain through the ear: one who gains the ear of another by stealth for a bad end.

part of speech: noun

A well- known insect with a pair of curved forceps at its tail, supposed to creep into the ear.

Usage examples for earwig:

• Foolish Fears Mary Charlotte had a silly habit of screaming when she saw a spider, an earwig a beetle, a moth, or any kind of insect; and the sound of a mouse behind the wainscot of the room made her suppose she should die with fright. "The Bad Family and Other Stories", Mrs. Fenwick.