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lapwing definition

lap·wing (lap′wiŋ′)

noun

any of a genus (Vanellus) of black-and-white plovers; esp., an Old World crested species (V. vanellus) with broad, rounded wings, noted for spectacular aerial displays

Etymology: ME lapwinge, altered (by folk etym., by assoc. with lappe, lap & wing, wing) < OE hleapewince < hleapan, to leap + wince < wincian (see wink): prob. so called from its irregular flight

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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