ducks

duck ¹  (dk)

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.

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[Middle English doke, from Old English dce, possibly from *dcan, to dive; see duck².]

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duck ²  (dk)

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.

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[Middle English douken, to dive, possibly from Old English *dcan; akin to Middle Low German and Middle Dutch dken.]

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ducker n.

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duck ³  (dk)

n.

1. A durable, closely woven heavy cotton or linen fabric.

2. ducks Clothing made of duck, especially white trousers.

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[Dutch doek, cloth, from Middle Dutch doec.]

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duck ⁴  (dk)

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.

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[Alteration (influenced by duck) of DUKW.]

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ducks [dʌks]

pl n

(Clothing & Fashion) clothing made of duck, esp white trousers for sports