noun
- an Old World, insect-eating mammal of the genus Erinaceus, especially E. europaeus, having spiny hairs on the back and sides.
- the porcupine.
- Military.
- a portable obstacle made of crossed logs in the shape of an hourglass, usually laced with barbed wire.
- 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
- 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
- any other insectivore of the family Erinaceidae, such as the moon rat
- US any of various other spiny animals, esp the porcupine
mid-15c. (replacing Old English igl), from hedge (n.) + hog (n.); the second element a reference to its pig-like snout.