hedgehog








noun

  1. an Old World, insect-eating mammal of the genus Erinaceus, especially E. europaeus, having spiny hairs on the back and sides.
  2. the porcupine.
  3. Military.
    1. a portable obstacle made of crossed logs in the shape of an hourglass, usually laced with barbed wire.
    2. an obstructive device consisting of steel bars, angle irons, etc., usually embedded in concrete, designed to damage and impede the boats and tanks of a landing force on a beach.

noun

  1. any small nocturnal Old World mammal of the genus Erinaceus, such as E. europaeus, and related genera, having a protective covering of spines on the back: family Erinaceidae, order Insectivora (insectivores)Related adjective: erinaceous
  2. any other insectivore of the family Erinaceidae, such as the moon rat
  3. US any of various other spiny animals, esp the porcupine
n.

mid-15c. (replacing Old English igl), from hedge (n.) + hog (n.); the second element a reference to its pig-like snout.

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