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hedgehog
(hej′hôg′)
noun
- any of several small insectivores (family Erinaceidae) of the Old World, with a shaggy coat and sharp spines on the back, which bristle and form a defense when the animal curls up
- ☆ the American porcupine
Origin: see fox ()
a person regarded as being of a type that tends to see things in terms of a single, overarching viewpoint or philosophy- Mil.
- any of several defensive obstacles
- any of a series of defensive fortifications capable of continued resistance after being encircled
Origin: hedge + hog: prob. from living in hedgerows and from the hoglike snout
See hedgehog in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- Any of several small insectivorous mammals of the family Erinaceidae of Europe, Africa, and Asia, having the back covered with dense erectile spines and characteristically rolling into a ball for protection.
- Any of several spiny animals, such as the porcupine, that are similar to the hedgehog.
- A well fortified military position.
- An antisubmarine weapon consisting of several rows of mortar-like dischargers positioned to fire in a circular pattern ahead of a ship.
- An obstacle used against tanks and landing craft, consisting of three crossed iron bars welded or bolted together.
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