Word Study
Teal
CIDE DICTIONARY
Teal, n. [OE. tele; akin to D. teling a generation, production, teal, telen to breed, produce, and E. till to cultivate. The English word probably once meant, a brood or flock. See Till to cultivate.].
Any one of several species of small fresh-water ducks of the genus Anas and the subgenera Querquedula and Nettion . The male is handsomely colored, and has a bright green or blue speculum on the wings. [1913 Webster]
" The common European teal (Anas crecca ) and the European blue-winged teal, or garganey (Anas querquedula or Anas circia ), are well-known species. In America the blue-winged teal (Anas discors ), the green-winged teal (Anas Carolinensis ), and the cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera ) are common species, valued as game birds. See Garganey ." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Teal, n. (pl. same)
1 any of various small freshwater ducks of the genus Anas, esp. A. crecca.
2 a dark greenish-blue colour.
1 any of various small freshwater ducks of the genus Anas, esp. A. crecca.
2 a dark greenish-blue colour.
Etymology
rel. to MDu. teling, of unkn. orig.
For further exploring for "Teal" in Webster Dictionary Online