woodcock Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun game bird of the sandpiper family that resembles a snipe

WordNet

Wood"cock` noun
Etymology
AS. wuducoc.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) Any one of several species of long-billed limicoline birds belonging to the genera Scolopax and Philohela. They are mostly nocturnal in their habits, and are highly esteemed as game birds. ✍ The most important species are the European (Scolopax rusticola) and the American woodcock (Philohela minor), which agree very closely in appearance and habits.
  2. Fig.: A simpleton. Obs.
    If I loved you not, I would laugh at you, and see you Run your neck into the noose, and cry, "A woodcock!" Beau. & Fl.

Webster 1913