hedgehog

views updated May 14 2018

hedge·hog / ˈhejˌhôg; ˈhejˌhäg/ • n. a nocturnal insectivorous Old World mammal (family Erinaceidae) with a spiny coat and short legs, able to roll itself into a ball for defense. Its several species include the common hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) of western and northern Europe. ∎  any other animal covered with spines, esp. a porcupine.

hedgehog

views updated May 14 2018

hedgehog Small, nocturnal Eurasian mammal of the family Erinaceidae. It has short, sharp spines above, lighter-coloured fur below, and a pointed snout. It feeds on insects and other small animals, and defends itself by rolling into a ball with the spines outermost. Species Erinaceus europaeus.

hedgehog

views updated Jun 11 2018

hedgehog in the Bestiaries it is said to gather fruit for its young by impalement on its spines; it may thus be taken to exemplify prudence, or as an image of the Devil harvesting unwary souls.

hedgehog

views updated Jun 11 2018

hedgehog See ERINACEOIDEA.