Definition of "hedgehog" []

• 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. (noun)
• Any of several spiny animals, such as the porcupine, that are similar to the hedgehog. (noun)
• A well fortified military position. (noun)
• An antisubmarine weapon consisting of several rows of mortar-like dischargers positioned to fire in a circular pattern ahead of a ship. (noun)
• An obstacle used against tanks and landing craft, consisting of three crossed iron bars welded or bolted together. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Last night, however, I bought a - hedgehog from a wee boy."
• "In the grass the short selfheal shows; and, leaning over the gate, on the edge of the wheat you may see the curious prickly seed-vessels of the corn buttercup -- the 'hedgehog' -- whose spines, however, will not scratch the softest skin."
• "November 3rd, 2006 at 2: 57 pm the baby hedgehog is the cutest thing i’ve ever seen and i want a pandaaaa!"