duck

DUCK, noun [G, Latin , to weave.] A species of coarse cloth or canvas, used for sails, sacking of beds, etc. DUCK, noun [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, noun A word of endearment or fondness. DUCK, verb transitive [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, verb intransitive 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.