noun
or pol·ly·wog ˈpälēˌwäg, -wȯg
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of earlier polwigge, alteration of Middle English polwygle, probably from pol, polle head + wiglen, wigelen to wiggle — more at poll , wiggle
1. : tadpole
2. : one who crosses the equator for the first time and undergoes an initiation (as by being tossed into seawater) by shellbacks