Duck"ing, n. & a., from Duck, v. t. & i.
Ducking stool, a stool or chair in which common scolds were formerly tied, and plunged into water, as a punishment. See Cucking stool. The practice of ducking began in the latter part of the 15th century, and prevailed until the early part of the 18th, and occasionally as late as the 19th century. Blackstone. Chambers.
Duck"-legged` (?), a. Having short legs, like a waddling duck; short-legged. Dryden.
Duck"ling (?), n. A young or little duck. Gay.
{ Duck"meat` (?), or Duck's"-meat` (?) }, n. (Bot.) Duckweed.
Duck's"-bill`, a. Having the form of a duck's bill.
Duck's-bill limpet (Zoöl.), a limpet of the genus Parmaphorus; -- so named from its shape.
Duck's"-foot` (?), n. (Bot.) The May apple (Podophyllum peltatum).
Duck"weed` (?), n. (Bot.) A genus (Lemna) of small plants, seen floating in great quantity on the surface of stagnant pools fresh water, and supposed to furnish food for ducks; -- called also duckmeat.
Duct (?), n. [L. ductus a leading, conducting, conduit, fr. ducere, ductum, to lead. See Duke, and cf. Douche.] 1. Any tube or canal by which a fluid or other substance is conducted or conveyed.
2. (Anat.) One of the vessels of an animal body by which the products of glandular secretion are conveyed to their destination.
3. (Bot.) A large, elongated cell, either round or prismatic, usually found associated with woody fiber.
Ducts are classified, according to the character of the surface of their walls, or their structure, as annular, spiral, scalariform, etc.