sheldrake

[ shel-dreyk ]

/ ˈʃɛlˌdreɪk /

any of several Old World ducks of the genus Tadorna, certain species of which have highly variegated plumage.

any of various other ducks, especially the goosander or merganser.

QUIZZES

Let the aeolian gusts transport you back to these popular Words of the Day from the month of May. How many do you remember?

Question 1 of 10

Which of the following words means “to travel or journey, especially to walk on foot”?

1275–1325; Middle English sheldedrake, equivalent to sheld particolored + drake drake¹

It isn't reasonable of Sheldrake to expect me to do this; upon my soul it isn't!
London's Heart|B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon
The most common birds up these tidal rivers are the sheldrake.
Cornwall|G. E. Mitton
Am I not a good girl, Alf, for behaving so well to Mr. Sheldrake?
London's Heart|B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon
"But Mr. Sheldrake knew," remarked Lizzie, with a sharp glance in the direction of that gentleman.
London's Heart|B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon

The only persons who ever entered it were Mr. Musgrave and Mr. Sheldrake.
London's Heart|B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon