I was looking at ear in the OED and found the following. I suspect it has already been mentioned. But I didn't see it. OED: ear-worm, ? = earwig; _fig._ a counsellor .... a1670 Hacket _Abp. Williams II_. 152 There is nothing in the oath to protect such an ear-worm, but he may be approached. Regards, David barnhart at highlands.com