Safire on "Spider Hole"

[Douglas G. Wilson]

>... if the pot broke or cracked, the guerrilla could be attacked by
>poisonous spiders or snakes. Hence, "spider hole."

This is very unlikely as an explanation for the name, IMHO. Why would such
a story be put forth? Surely "spider hole" means a pit covered by a
trapdoor ... i.e., a hole like that inhabited by a "trapdoor spider" ... at
least that would be anybody's assumption unless there is strong evidence
otherwise.

I think it's the size and shape of the hole and its door or cover which
gives the "spider hole" its name. The original type holds (of course) a
spider, and the hole is the spider's home, where it keeps its infant
offspring and maybe its latest catch and that's about it. The military
version holds a soldier and his necessities. Like the spider, he can ambush
weaker creatures from the hole ... and it also provides concealment from
stronger creatures.

"Spider hole" = "camouflaged foxhole" is in MW3.

Are ratholes, foxholes, and priest holes so named because of dangers to the
occupants from rats, foxes, and priests respectively?

-- Doug Wilson