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dotterell n also dodtrel EDD ~ sb1 for sense 1; cp OED 1 'a
species of [European] plover' for sense 2.
1 A stupid or
feeble-minded person.
1896 J A Folklore ix, 21 Dodtrel: an
old fool in his dotage, or indeed a silly person of any age. It is usually spelled
dotterel.
2 Marbled godwit; Hudsonian godwit
(Limosa fedoa; L. haemastica) (1959 MCATEE 33-4).
1870
Can Naturalist v, 296 [The dotterel is] only a periodical visitor; most common in
the fall. 1896 J A Folklore ix, 21 Dodtrel ... is usually spelled dotterel.
and primarily denoted a bird, a species of plover. From its assumed stupidity, it
being alleged to be so fond of imitation that it suffers itself to be caught while intent
on mimicking the actions of the fowler.
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