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duck 1 (d k)n.1. Any of various wild or domesticated swimming birds of the family Anatidae, characteristically having a broad, flat bill, short legs, and webbed feet. 2. A female duck. 3. The flesh of a duck used as food. 4. Slang A person, especially one thought of as peculiar. 5. Chiefly British A dear. Often used in the plural with a singular verb.
[Middle English doke, from Old English d ce, possibly from *d can, to dive; see duck2.] |
duck 2 (d k)v. ducked, duck·ing, ducks v.tr.1. To lower quickly, especially so as to avoid something: ducked his head as the ball came toward him. 2. To evade; dodge: duck responsibility; ducked the reporter's question. 3. To push suddenly under water. See Synonyms at dip. 4. Games To deliberately play a card that is lower than (an opponent's card). v.intr.1. To lower the head or body. 2. To move swiftly, especially so as to escape being seen: ducked behind a bush. 3. To submerge the head or body briefly in water. 4. To evade a responsibility or obligation. Often used with out: duck out on one's family. 5. Games To lose a trick by deliberately playing lower than one's opponent. n.1. A quick lowering of the head or body. 2. A plunge into water.
[Middle English douken, to dive, possibly from Old English *d can; akin to Middle Low German and Middle Dutch d ken.]
duck er n. |
duck 3 (d k)n.1. A durable, closely woven heavy cotton or linen fabric. 2. ducks Clothing made of duck, especially white trousers.
[Dutch doek, cloth, from Middle Dutch doec.] |
duck 4 (d k)n. In both senses also called DUKW. 1. An amphibious military truck used during World War II. 2. An amphibious truck used in emergencies, as to evacuate flood victims.
[Alteration (influenced by duck) of DUKW.] |
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