The verb ἐρεπτόμενον (middle/passive participle of ἐρεπτάω) is a hapax legomenon in Aristophanes, occurring here in a context of political slander. While the root suggests 'pecking' or 'nibbling' (like a bird), the middle voice with the accusative object τὰ τῶν ἐχόντων ἀνέρων (the things belonging to the men of power) creates a rare construction where the subject is portrayed as aggressively attacking the property or reputation of others through persistent, nagging criticism, rather than a direct physical assault. This usage transforms a biological metaphor into a specific technical term for the act of public impeachment or relentless legal harassment.