1. n.1 a small gregarious partly migratory bird, Sturnus vulgaris, with blackish-brown speckled lustrous plumage, chiefly inhabiting cultivated areas.
2 any similar bird of the family Sturnidae.
Etymology: OE st{aelig}rlinc f. st{aelig}r starling f. Gmc: cf. -LING(1) 2. n. piles built around or upstream of a bridge or pier to protect it from floating rubbish etc.
Etymology: perh. corrupt. of (now dial.) staddling STADDLE