from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Lapwing \Lap"wing`\, n. [OE. lapwynke, leepwynke, AS.
hle['a]pewince; hle['a]pan to leap, jump + (prob.) a word
akin to AS. wincian to wink, E. wink, AS. wancol wavering;
cf. G. wanken to stagger, waver. See {Leap}, and {Wink}.]
(Zool.)
A small European bird of the Plover family ({Vanellus
cristatus}, or {Vanellus vanellus}). It has long and broad
wings, and is noted for its rapid, irregular fight, upwards,
downwards, and in circles. Its back is coppery or greenish
bronze. Its eggs are the "plover's eggs" of the London
market, esteemed a delicacy. It is called also {peewit},
{dastard plover}, and {wype}. The {gray lapwing} is the
{Squatarola cinerea}.
[1913 Webster]