dotterel

American  

[dot-er-uhl] / ˈdɒt ər əl /

Also dottrel

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.

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dotterel British  

/ ˈdɒtrəl /

noun

1. a rare Eurasian plover, Eudromias morinellus, with reddish-brown underparts and white bands around the head and neck

2. any similar and related bird, esp of the genus Charadrius

3. dialect a person who is foolish or easily duped

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Etymology

Origin of dotterel

First recorded in 1400–50, dotterel is from the late Middle English word dotrelle. See dote, -rel