DUCK, n. [G, L., to weave.] A species of coarse cloth or canvas, used for sails, sacking of beds, &c. DUCK, n. [from the verb, to duck.] 1. A water fowl, so called from its plunging. There are many species or varieties of the duck, some wild, others tame.2. An inclination of the head, resembling the motion of a duck in water.3. A stone thrown obliquely on the water so as to rebound; as in duck and drake.DUCK, n. A word of endearment or fondness. DUCK, v.t. [G.] 1. To dip or plunge in water and suddenly withdraw; as, to duck a seamen. It differs from dive, which signifies to plunge ones self, without immediately emerging. 2. To plunge the head in water and immediately withdraw it; as, duck the boy.3. To bow, stoop or nod.DUCK, v.i. 1. To plunge into water and immediately withdraw; to dip; to plunge the head in water or other liquid.In Tiber ducking thrice by break of day.2. To drop the head suddenly; to bow; to cringe.Duck with French nods.
|
