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American Dictionary of the English Language

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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.