'Charadrius hiaticula' definitions:

Definition of 'Charadrius hiaticula'

From: GCIDE
  • Dotterel \Dot"ter*el\, n. [From Dote, v. i.]
  • 1. (Zool.) A European bird of the Plover family ({Eudromias morinellus}, syn. Charadrius morinellus). It is tame and easily taken, and is popularly believed to imitate the movements of the fowler. [1913 Webster]
  • In catching of dotterels we see how the foolish bird playeth the ape in gestures. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: The ringed dotterel (or ring plover) is {Charadrius hiaticula}. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A silly fellow; a dupe; a gull. --Barrow. [1913 Webster]