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

They can run rapidly, having a peculiar mincing gait, that is said to have given them the name of Limpkin.

From Project Gutenberg

The Limpkin is a singular inhabitant of the more retired Florida swamps.

From Project Gutenberg