Hĕd'ge'hŏg, n.
n. 1. (Zoöl.) A small animal of the genus Erinaceus, having the hair on the upper part of its body mixed with prickles or spines, and endowed with power of rolling itself into a ball so as to present the spines outwardly in every direction. It is nocturnal in its habits, feeding upon insects and reptiles.
The name is sometimes used as a term of reproach.
Sense 2. (Bot.) A species of Medicago (M. intertexta), the pods of which are armed with short spines; — popularly so called. Loudon.
Sense 3. (Ichth.) The globe-fish. See GLOBE-FISH.
Sense 4. A form of dredging-machine. Simmonds.