duck

I

[[t]dʌk[/t]]

n. pl. ducks, (esp. collectively for1, 2)duck.

1) orn any of numerous relatively small and short-necked web-footed swimming birds of the family Anatidae, characterized by a broad, flat bill

2) orn the female of this bird, as distinguished from the male

Compare drake

3) the flesh of this bird, eaten as food

4) brit. ducks, (used with a sing. v.) Brit. Slang

ducky II

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Etymology: bef. 1000; ME duk, doke, OE dūce; akin to duck II II

duck

[[t]dʌk[/t]] v. i.

1) to stoop or bend suddenly; bob

2) to avoid or evade a blow, unpleasant task, etc.; dodge

3) to plunge the whole body or the head momentarily under water

4) to lower suddenly:

Duck your head down![/ex]

5) to avoid or evade (a blow, unpleasant task, etc.); dodge

6) to plunge or dip in water momentarily

7) an act or instance of ducking

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Etymology: 1250–1300; akin to MD, MLG dūken, OHG tūhhan duck′er, n. III

duck

[[t]dʌk[/t]] n.

1) tex a heavy plain-weave cotton fabric for tents, clothing, bags, etc

2) clo ducks, (used with a pl. v.) slacks or trousers made of this

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Etymology: 1630–40; < D doek cloth