Earwig

A corruption of the Saxon ear-wicga (ear-insect); so called because the hind wings resemble in shape the human ear. The word has engendered the notion that these insects are apt to get into our ears.

An earwig, metaphorically, is one who whispers into our ears all the news and scandal going, in order to curry favour; a flatterer.

“Court earwigs banish from your ears.”

Political Ballads.

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.