'Polliwig' definitions:

Definition of 'Polliwig'

From: GCIDE
  • Polliwig \Pol"li*wig\, Polliwog \Pol"li*wog\, n. [OE. polwigle. Cf. Poll head, and Wiggle.] (Zool.) A tadpole; -- called also purwiggy and porwigle. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'polliwig'

From: GCIDE
  • Tadpole \Tad"pole`\, n. [OE. tadde toad (AS. t[=a]die, t[=a]dige) + poll; properly, a toad that is or seems all head. See Toad, and Poll.]
  • 1. (Zool.) The young aquatic larva of any amphibian. In this stage it breathes by means of external or internal gills, is at first destitute of legs, and has a finlike tail. Called also polliwig, polliwog, porwiggle, or purwiggy. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Zool.) The hooded merganser. [Local, U. S.] [1913 Webster]
  • Tadpole fish. (Zool.) See Forkbeard (a) . [1913 Webster]