from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Ruddy \Rud"dy\, a. [Compar. {Ruddier}; superl. {Ruddiest}.] [AS.
rudig. See {Rud}, n.]
1. Of a red color; red, or reddish; as, a ruddy sky; a ruddy
flame. --Milton.
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They were more ruddy in body than rubies. --Lam. iv.
7.
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2. Of a lively flesh color, or the color of the human skin in
high health; as, ruddy cheeks or lips. --Dryden.
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{Ruddy duck} (Zool.), an American duck ({Erismatura rubida})
having a broad bill and a wedge-shaped tail composed of
stiff, sharp feathers. The adult male is rich brownish red
on the back, sides, and neck, black on the top of the
head, nape, wings, and tail, and white on the cheeks. The
female and young male are dull brown mixed with blackish
on the back; grayish below. Called also {dunbird},
{dundiver}, {ruddy diver}, {stifftail}, {spinetail},
{hardhead}, {sleepy duck}, {fool duck}, {spoonbill}, etc.
{Ruddy plover} (Zool.) the sanderling.
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