Hedgehog

·noun The Canadian porcupine.

II. Hedgehog ·noun A form of dredging machine.

III. Hedgehog ·noun A species of Medicago (M. intertexta), the pods of which are armed with short spines;

— popularly so called.

IV. Hedgehog ·add. ·noun A variety of transformer with open magnetic circuit, the ends of the iron wire core being turned outward and presenting a bristling appearance, whence the name.

V. Hedgehog ·noun A small European insectivore (Erinaceus Europaeus), and other allied species of Asia and Africa, having the hair on the upper part of its body mixed with prickles or spines. It is able to roll itself into a ball so as to present the spines outwardly in every direction. It is nocturnal in its habits, feeding chiefly upon insects.