Wood'cock, n.

n. [A-S. wuducooc.] 1. (Ornith.) A bird of the snipe family (Scolopax rusticola), having a long and sensitive bill, and frequenting the thickest underwood, especially in the fall of the year. Its flesh is much esteemed as a delicacy. ☞ “A peculiar character of the snipes consists in the compressed form of the head; and in many, the backward situation of their large eyes, which imparts a singularly stupid air, in conformity with their habits. This is more especially the case with the woodcock.” Baird. 2. A simpleton. [Obs.] If I loved you not, I would laugh at you, and see you Run your neck into the noose, and cry, “A woodcock!” Beau. & Fl.