shelduck

[ shel-duhk ]

noun

, plural shel·ducks, (especially collectively) shel·duck.

1. a sheldrake.
2. a female sheldrake.

shelduck

/ ˈʃɛlˌdreɪk; ˈʃɛlˌdʌk /

noun

1. any of various large usually brightly coloured gooselike ducks, such as Tadorna tadorna ( common shelduck ), of the Old World

Word History and Origins

Origin of shelduck¹

First recorded in 1700–10; shel(drake) + duck ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of shelduck¹

C14 shel, probably from dialect sheld pied; related to Middle Dutch schillede variegated

Example Sentences

My coat looked rather bulgy, for a Shelduck is nearly as big as a Goose.

From Project Gutenberg

Ruddy shelduck do not frequent the marisma, preferring the sweeter waters and shallows adjoining Doana.

From Project Gutenberg