limpkin

[ limp-kin ]

noun

1. a large, loud-voiced, wading bird, Aramus guarauna, intermediate in size and character between the cranes and the rails, of the warmer regions of America.

limpkin

/ ˈlɪmpkɪn /

noun

1. a rail-like wading bird, Aramus guarauna, of tropical American marshes, having dark brown plumage with white markings and a wailing cry: order Gruiformes (cranes, rails, etc) Also calledcourlan

Word History and Origins

Origin of limpkin¹

1870–75, Americanism; limp ¹ + -kin; so called because of its jerky walk

Word History and Origins

Origin of limpkin¹

C19: named from its awkward gait

Example Sentences

The fauna is also varied; the otter, alligator and crocodile are found, also the deer and panther, and among the native birds are the ibis, egret, heron and limpkin.

From Project Gutenberg