duck 1
/duk/ , n. , pl. ducks , ( esp. collectively for 1, 2 ) duck .
1. any of numerous wild or domesticated web-footed swimming birds of the family Anatidae, esp. of the genus Anas and allied genera, characterized by abroad, flat bill, short legs, and depressed body.
2. the female of this bird, as distinguished from the male. Cf. drake 1 .
3. the flesh of this bird, eaten as food.
4. Informal. person; individual: He's the queer old duck with the knee-length gaiters and walrus mustache.
5. a playing marble, esp. one that is not used as a shooter.
6. ducks , ( used with a sing. v. ) Brit. Slang. ducky 2 .
7. Cricket Slang.
a. failure of a batsman to score: to be out for a duck.
b. a player's score of zero: to be bowled for a duck. Cf. goose egg .
8. water off a duck's back , something that has little or no effect: Our criticisms of his talk rolled off him like water off a duck's back.
[ bef. 1000; ME duk, doke, OE duce diver, duck; akin to DUCK 2 ]
duck 2
/duk/ , v.i.
1. to stoop or bend suddenly; bob.
2. to avoid or evade a blow, unpleasant task, etc.; dodge.
3. to plunge the whole body or the head momentarily under water.
4. Cards Informal. to play a card lower than the card led.
v.t.
5. to lower suddenly: Duck your head going through that low doorway.
6. to avoid or evade (a blow, unpleasant task, etc.); dodge: to duck a hard right; to duck an embarrassing question.
7. to plunge or dip in water momentarily.
8. Cards Informal. to play a card lower than (the card led).
n.
9. an act or instance of ducking.
[ 1250-1300; ME duken, douken; c. G tauchen to dive, ducken to duck ]
Syn. 1. bow, dodge. 3. dive, dip, souse.
duck 3
/duk/ , n.
1. a heavy, plain-weave cotton fabric for tents, clothing, bags, etc., in any of various weights and widths.
2. ducks , ( used with a pl. v. ) slacks or trousers made of this material.
[ 1630-40; doek cloth; c. G Tuch ]
duck 4
/duk/ , n.
an amphibious military truck.
[ 1940-45, Amer.; alter. of DUKW, code name ]