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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Weaver \Weav"er\, n.
1. One who weaves, or whose occupation is to weave. "Weavers
of linen." --P. Plowman.
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2. (Zool.) A weaver bird.
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3. (Zool.) An aquatic beetle of the genus {Gyrinus}. See
{Whirling}.
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{Weaver bird} (Zool.), any one of numerous species of
Asiatic, Fast Indian, and African birds belonging to
{Ploceus} and allied genera of the family {Ploceidae}.
Weaver birds resemble finches and sparrows in size,
colors, and shape of the bill. They construct pensile
nests composed of interlaced grass and other similar
materials. In some of the species the nest is
retort-shaped, with the opening at the bottom of the tube.


{Weavers' shuttle} (Zool.), an East Indian marine univalve
shell ({Radius volva}); -- so called from its shape. See
Illust. of {Shuttle shell}, under {Shuttle}.
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Whirligig \Whirl"i*gig\, n. [Whirl gig.]
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1. A child's toy, spun or whirled around like a wheel upon an
axis, or like a top. --Johnson.
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2. Anything which whirls around, or in which persons or
things are whirled about, as a frame with seats or wooden
horses.
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With a whirligig of jubilant mosquitoes spinning
about each head. --G. W. Cable.
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3. A mediaeval instrument for punishing petty offenders,
being a kind of wooden cage turning on a pivot, in which
the offender was whirled round with great velocity.
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4. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of beetles belonging
to {Gyrinus} and allied genera. The body is firm, oval or
boatlike in form, and usually dark colored with a
bronzelike luster. These beetles live mostly on the
surface of water, and move about with great celerity in a
gyrating, or circular, manner, but they are also able to
dive and swim rapidly. The larva is aquatic. Called also
{weaver}, {whirlwig}, and {whirlwig beetle}.
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