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whimbrel (HWIM-bruhl) - n., a small migratory curlew (Numenius phaeopus) with grayish-brown plumage and a long, downward-curving bill.
So a wading shorebird breeding in subarctic regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere -- one of the most widespread of the curlews. Name attested (in the earlier for whimrel) since around 1531, origin uncertain but the whim- is speculated to be imitative of its cry, while the -rel is a diminutive/perjorative suffix (best known from wastrel).
And that wraps up the week of shorebirds. The next two weeks, posting will be sporadic because, well, holidays -- will resume regular lexidiems in the new year.
---L.
So a wading shorebird breeding in subarctic regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere -- one of the most widespread of the curlews. Name attested (in the earlier for whimrel) since around 1531, origin uncertain but the whim- is speculated to be imitative of its cry, while the -rel is a diminutive/perjorative suffix (best known from wastrel).
And that wraps up the week of shorebirds. The next two weeks, posting will be sporadic because, well, holidays -- will resume regular lexidiems in the new year.
---L.
