\Wood"cock`\, n. [AS. wuducoc.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) 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.

Note: The most important species are the European ({Scolopax
      rusticola}) and the American woodcock ({Philohela
      minor}), which agree very closely in appearance and
      habits.

2. Fig.: A simpleton. [Obs.]

         If I loved you not, I would laugh at you, and see
         you Run your neck into the noose, and cry, ``A
         woodcock!''                           --Beau. & Fl.

{Little woodcock}.
   (a) The common American snipe.
   (b) The European snipe.

{Sea woodcock fish}, the bellows fish.

{Woodcock owl}, the short-eared owl ({Asio brachyotus}).

{Woodcock shell}, the shell of certain mollusks of the genus
   {Murex}, having a very long canal, with or without spines.


{Woodcock snipe}. See under {Snipe}.