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lapwing
(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
Origin: 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
See lapwing in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
Any of several Old World birds of the genus Vanellus related to the plovers, especially V. vanellus, having a narrow crest and erratic flight behavior. Also called green plover, pewit.
Origin:
Origin: By folk etymology from Middle English lapwink, hoopoe, lapwing
Origin: , from Old English hlēapewince
Origin: : hlēapan, to leap
Origin: + *wincan, to waver
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