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Hecuba
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hedgehog cactus
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hedgehog

hedge·hog [ héj hàwg, héj hòg ] (plural hedge·hogs) or hedge-hock [ héj hòk ] (plural hedge-hocks)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. small spiny animal: a small animal that has a round body with stiff spines on the back and a small pointed snout. It can roll itself into a ball when attacked. Native to: Europe, Africa, Asia.  Family Erinaceidae.

2. defense against landing craft: an underwater obstacle designed to keep landing craft from reaching a beach by ripping holes in the hulls

[15th century. Because the animal makes noises reminiscent of the squeals and grunts of pigs]
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