redshank Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a common Old World wading bird with long red legs
    Tringa totanus.

WordNet

Red"shank` noun
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) (a) A common Old World limicoline bird (Totanus calidris), having the legs and feet pale red. The spotted redshank (T. fuscus) is larger, and has orange-red legs. Called also redshanks, redleg, and clee. (b) The fieldfare.
  2. A bare-legged person; -- a contemptuous appellation formerly given to the Scotch Highlanders, in allusion to their bare legs. Spenser.

Webster 1913