duck

I. noun (plural ducks) Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English duk, doke, from Old English dūce Date: before 12th century 1. or plural duck a. any of various swimming birds (family Anatidae, the duck family) in which the neck and legs are short, the feet typically webbed, the bill often broad and flat, and the sexes usually different from each other in plumage b. the flesh of any of these birds used as food 2. a female duck — compare drake 3. chiefly British darling — often used in plural but sing. in constr. 4. person, creature II. verb Etymology: Middle English douken; akin to Old High German tūhhan to dive, Old English dūce duck Date: 14th century transitive verb 1. to thrust under water 2. to lower (as the head) quickly ; bow 3. avoid, evade <

duck the issue

> intransitive verb 1. a. to plunge under the surface of water b. to descend suddenly ; dip 2. a. to lower the head or body suddenly ; dodge b. bow, bob 3. a. to move quickly b. to evade a duty, question, or responsibility • ducker noun III. noun Date: 1554 an instance of ducking IV. noun Etymology: Dutch doek cloth; akin to Old High German tuoh cloth Date: 1640 1. a durable closely woven usually cotton fabric 2. plural light clothes and especially trousers made of duck