Word Study
redshank
CIDE DICTIONARY
redshank, n.
- A common Old World limicoline bird (
Totanus calidris ), having the legs and feet pale red. The spotted redshank (Totanus fuscus ) is larger, and has orange-red legs. Called alsoredshanks ,redleg , andclee . [1913 Webster] - A bare-legged person; -- a contemptuous appellation formerly given to the Scotch Highlanders, in allusion to their bare legs. Spenser. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
redshank, n. either of two sandpipers, Tringa totanus and T. erythropus, with bright-red legs.
For further exploring for "redshank" in Webster Dictionary Online