1. (Zoöl.) Any one of several species of long-billed limicoline birds
belonging to the genera Scolopax and Philohela. They are mostly
nocturnal in their habits, and are highly esteemed as game birds.
The most important species are the European (Scolopax rusticola) and
the American woodcock (Philohela minor), which agree very closely in
appearance and habits.