old squaw

or oldsquaw

noun

1. a sea duck, Clangula hyemalis, of Arctic and subarctic regions.

old squaw

noun

1. a long-tailed northern sea duck, Clangula hyemalis, having dark wings and a white-and-brown head and body Also calledoldwife

Word History and Origins

Origin of old squaw¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

So also on the plains, the old folks would ask the children at night, "Can you see the papoose on the old Squaw's back?"

From Project Gutenberg

To many American gunners the bird is known as “Old Squaw,” from its oft-repeated cries.

From Project Gutenberg