boat-tailed grackle

[ boht-teyld ]

/ ˈboʊtˌteɪld /

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noun

a large grackle, Quiscalus major, of the southeastern U.S., that folds its tail into a shape resembling the keel of a boat.

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Origin of boat-tailed grackle

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

My captain on the boat, Brazakka, he wanted me to do this Hemingway bit, with the white stubble, and he wanted the hero angle.
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The last time there was a raid of this scale was in 2001, when 52 men were arrested on Queen Boat, a floating disco on the Nile.
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On Belgika, Botala and his family watched as the white men loaded their families into a large boat and took off for Kisangani.
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Translators—many of whom came by boat themselves—work through the crowds with Italian authorities to take down names and details.
Inside the Smuggling Networks Flooding Europe with Refugees|Barbie Latza Nadeau|December 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST

“When the smuggler boat is ready, they call you,” Saed says.
Inside the Smuggling Networks Flooding Europe with Refugees|Barbie Latza Nadeau|December 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Hoosier hurried on board the boat, and followed Dick's instructions to the letter.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
But, as the keel of the boats touched bottom, each boat-load dashed into the water and then into the enemy's fire.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
The Comet started on her first trip up the Arkansas, being the first steam boat that ascended that river.
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That he laughed at their folly, and went himself in the boat, ordering his men to take a strong cable along with them.
Gulliver's Travels|Jonathan Swift
Many of them were wounded and the worst of these were put into a picket boat which had just that moment come along.
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