■ noun a grey or brown bird known for the far-carrying two-note call of the male and for the habit of laying its eggs in the nests of small songbirds. [ Cuculus canorus .]
↘used in names of other birds of the same family (Cuculidae).
■ adjective informal crazy.
Phrases
~ in the nest an unwelcome intruder in a situation.
Origin
ME: from OFr. cucu , imitative of its call.