{ Chig"oe (?), Chig"re (?), }
n. [Cf. F. chigue, perh. fr. Catalan
chic small, Sp. chico; or of Peruvian origin.]
(Zoöl.) A species of flea (Pulex
penetrans), common in the West Indies and South America,
which often attacks the feet or any exposed part of the human
body, and burrowing beneath the skin produces great irritation.
When the female is allowed to remain and breed, troublesome sores
result, which are sometimes dangerous. See Jigger.
[Written also chegre, chegoe, chique,
chigger, jigger.]
&fist; The name is sometimes erroneously given to certain
mites or ticks having similar habits.