vanellus vanellus

1 definition found

vanellus vanellus - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Lapwing \Lap"wing`\, n. [OE. lapwynke, leepwynke, AS.
     hle['a]pewince; hle['a]pan to leap, jump + (prob.) a word
     akin to AS. wincian to wink, E. wink, AS. wancol wavering;
     cf. G. wanken to stagger, waver. See Leap, and Wink.]
     (Zool.)
     A small European bird of the Plover family (Vanellus cristatus
     , or Vanellus vanellus). It has long and broad
     wings, and is noted for its rapid, irregular fight, upwards,
     downwards, and in circles. Its back is coppery or greenish
     bronze. Its eggs are the "plover's eggs" of the London
     market, esteemed a delicacy. It is called also peewit,
     dastard plover, and wype. The gray lapwing is the
     Squatarola cinerea.
     [1913 Webster]