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