dotterel

dotterel [dot-er-uh l] ExamplesWord Origin noun

1. any of several plovers usually inhabiting upland areas, especially Eudromias morinellus, of Europe and Asia.
2. British Dialect. a silly, stupid person, especially one who is easily duped.

Also dot·trel [do-truh l] /ˈdɒ trəl/. Origin of dotterel First recorded in 1400–50, dotterel is from the late Middle English word dotrelle. See dote, -rel Examples from the Web for dotterel Historical Examples of dotterel

The dotterel is one of the most interesting of British birds.

Poachers and Poaching

John Watson

The Dotterel (Pluvialis morinellus) is a little larger than a Blackbird.

Reptiles and Birds

Louis Figuier

In short, whatever the fowler does, the Dotterel does the same.

British Birds in their Haunts

Rev. C. A. Johns

Such a character as Dotterel is hardly made to allude to the pocula coronata of the Romans.

A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 12 (of 15)

Robert Dodsley

Last night we had dotterel and sandpipers for dinner, this morning greenshanks, which are very good birds indeed.

Three in Norway

James Arthur Lees

British Dictionary definitions for dotterel dotterel dottrel noun

1. a rare Eurasian plover, Eudromias morinellus, with reddish-brown underparts and white bands around the head and neck
2. Australian any similar and related bird, esp of the genus Charadrius
3. dialect a person who is foolish or easily duped

Word Origin for dotterel C15 dotrelle; see dote