pewit

American  

[pee-wit, pyoo-it] / ˈpi wɪt, ˈpyu ɪt /

Or peewit

noun

1. the lapwing, Vanellus vanellus.

2. the phoebe.

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pewit British  

/ ˈpiːwɪt /

noun

1. another name for lapwing

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Etymology

Origin of pewit

First recorded in 1520–30; imitative

Example Sentences

Now and then I caught the cry of a pewit, or saw a snipe glance up from his bed; but mainly I was busied about the mare.

From The Splendid Spur by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir

I distinctly remembered firing it at a pewit an hour before, for Edmee had wanted to examine the bird's plumage.

From Mauprat by Young, Stanley

Pewit, phœbe, phœbe; pewit, phœbe, they contentedly but rather monotonously sing as they investigate all the sites in the neighborhood.

From Bird Neighbors An Introductory Acquaintance with One Hundred and Fifity Birds Commonly Found in the Gardens, Meadows, and Woods About Our Homes by Blanchan, Neltje

The characteristic species of this part of the down country, comprising the parish of Winterbourne Bishop, are the pewit, magpie, turtledove, mistle-thrush, and starling.

From A Shepherd's Life Impressions of the South Wiltshire Downs by Hudson, W. H. (William Henry)

They lingered in an agony of suspense, not daring to leave until they saw that Jock and Alan were safe, and then from a little distance up the shore came the pewit call.

From The Scotch Twins by Perkins, Lucy Fitch