dabchick

American  

[dab-chik] / ˈdæbˌtʃɪk /

noun

1. any of various small grebes, especially the little grebe.

---

dabchick British  

/ ˈdæbˌtʃɪk /

noun

1. any of several small grebes of the genera Podiceps and Podilymbus, such as Podiceps ruficollis of the Old World

---

Etymology

Origin of dabchick

1565–75; earlier dapchick ( see dap, chick); compare doppened moorhen (literally, dipping duck)

Example Sentences

As he spoke he bobbed and dipped like a dabchick or little grebe.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

He thought of a dabchick that hides so cleverly no one can put it up— then, suddenly, is there, close at hand.

From The Promise of Air by Blackwood, Algernon

Hardly a wild-duck is now seen; one or two moorhens or a dabchick seem all.

From The Life of the Fields by Jefferies, Richard

Uncle Jack obeyed, while as Norman looked up, he saw himself apparently covered by the two guns, and at once dived like a dabchick.

From The Dingo Boys The Squatters of Wallaby Range by Stacey, W. S. (Walter S.)

Mr. Gould seems to think that the dabchick likes insects and fish spawn better than fish, or at least more prudently dines upon them.

From Love's Meinie Three Lectures on Greek and English Birds by Ruskin, John