13. (Zoöl.) A sandpiper (Tringa canutus), found in the northern parts
of all the continents, in summer. It is grayish or ashy above, with the
rump and upper tail coverts white, barred with dusky. The lower parts
are pale brown, with the flanks and under tail coverts white. When fat
it is prized by epicures. Called also dunne.
The name is said to be derived from King Canute, this bird being a
favorite article of food with him.
The knot that called was Canutus' bird of old, Of that great king
of Danes his name that still doth hold, His appetite to please that
far and near was sought.
Drayton.
Knot, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Knotted; p. pr. & vb. n. Knotting.] 1. To tie
in or with, or form into, a knot or knots; to form a knot on, as a
rope; to entangle. "Knotted curls." Drayton.
As tight as I could knot the noose.
Tennyson.