from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Ousel \Ou"sel\ ([oo^]"z'l), n. [OE. osel, AS. [=o]sle; akin to
G. amsel, OHG. amsala, and perh. to L. merula blackbird. Cf.
{Merle}, {Amsel}.] (Zool.)
One of several species of European thrushes, especially the
blackbird ({Merula merula}, or {Turdus merula}), and the
mountain or ring ousel ({Turdus torquatus}). [Written also
{ouzel}.]
[1913 Webster]
{Rock ousel} (Zool.), the ring ousel.
{Water ousel} (Zool.), the European dipper ({Cinclus
aquaticus}), and the American dipper ({Cinclus
Mexicanus}).
[1913 Webster]