GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found 2 definitions
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Weaver (?), n.
1. One who weaves, or whose occupation is to weave. “Weavers of linen.” P. Plowman.
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2. (Zool.) A weaver bird.
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3. (Zool.) An aquatic beetle of the genus Gyrinus. See Whirling.
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Weaver bird (Zool.), any one of numerous species of Asiatic, Fast Indian, and African birds belonging to Ploceus and allied genera of the family Ploceidae. Weaver birds resemble finches and sparrows in size, colors, and shape of the bill. They construct pensile nests composed of interlaced grass and other similar materials. In some of the species the nest is retort-shaped, with the opening at the bottom of the tube. -- Weavers' shuttle (Zool.), an East Indian marine univalve shell (Radius volva); -- so called from its shape. See Illust. of Shuttle shell, under Shuttle.
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Whirligig (?), n. [Whirl + gig.]
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1. A child's toy, spun or whirled around like a wheel upon an axis, or like a top. Johnson.
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2. Anything which whirls around, or in which persons or things are whirled about, as a frame with seats or wooden horses.
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With a whirligig of jubilant mosquitoes spinning about each head. G. W. Cable.
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3. A mediaeval instrument for punishing petty offenders, being a kind of wooden cage turning on a pivot, in which the offender was whirled round with great velocity.
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4. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of beetles belonging to Gyrinus and allied genera. The body is firm, oval or boatlike in form, and usually dark colored with a bronzelike luster. These beetles live mostly on the surface of water, and move about with great celerity in a gyrating, or circular, manner, but they are also able to dive and swim rapidly. The larva is aquatic. Called also weaver, whirlwig, and whirlwig beetle.
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