/kee"wee/ , n. , pl. kiwis .
1. any of several flightless, ratite birds of the genus Apteryx, of New Zealand, allied to the extinct moas.
2. Also called Chinese gooseberry . the egg-sized, edible berry of the Chinese gooseberry, having fuzzy brownish skin and slightly tart green flesh.
3. Slang.
a. a member of an air service, as in World War I, who is confined to ground duty.
b. a former pilot or member of a flight crew.
4. Informal. a New Zealander.
[ 1825-35; ]