woodcock

plural woodcocks

1. Any of several wading birds in the genus Scolopax, characterised by a long slender bill and cryptic brown and blackish plumage.

   The woodcook is not only a culinary delight but it is reputed to increase seminal fluid.

   1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 251

   1 more example

   "[A]h, that was the woodcock and the goatsucker - yes, yes! it sounds strange to him, that hasn't heard him[.]"

   1886, Peter Christen Asbjø￵rnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 286

2. A simpleton.

   If I loved you not, I would laugh at you, and see you / Run your neck into the noose, and cry, "A woodcock!"

   c. 1607–1611, Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher, “Cupid’s Revenge”, in Comedies and Tragedies […], London: […] Humphrey Robinson, […], and for Humphrey Moseley […], published 1679, →OCLC, Act IV, scene i

   1 more example

   "Now will that silly woodcock make such a report of what I have said to his chosen friend," observed Sir Robert to his companion when my Lord Cobham was out of hearing[…]

   1838, Nathan Drake, Belletristical Works, volume 1, page 215

plural Woodcocks

1. countableuncountableA surname from Old English.
2. countableuncountableA borough and neighbouring township in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, United States.