|
|
Definition of Ducks and drakes
1. Noun. A game in which a flat stone is bounced along the surface of calm water.
Definition of Ducks and drakes
1. Noun. A pastime of throwing flat stones across water so as to make them bounce off the surface. ¹
2. Noun. squandering of resources, especially money; used in expressions like to make '''ducks and drakes''' of , to play '''ducks and drakes''' with , to play at '''ducks and drakes''' with ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Lexicographical Neighbors of Ducks And Drakes
Literary usage of Ducks and drakes
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Punch by Mark Lemon, Henry Mayhew, Tom Taylor, Shirley Brooks, Francis Cowley Burnand, Owen Seaman (1850)
"THE ducks and drakes IN ST. JAMES'S PARK. THE public is requested bv the flattering
appeal of many signboards to protect the valuable collection of aquatic ..."
2. The Man of Iron by Richard Dehan (1915)
"And how long will it be before I get them to make ducks and drakes?" Ill You are
to suppose Captain Breagh, startled by the unexpected apparition of his ..."
3. A Dictionary, Hindustani & English: Accompanied by a Reversed Dictionary by Duncan Forbes (1866)
"... to get loose, to leave, to remain, to slip away, to be dismissed. A. [cast.
A. "ducks and drakes. ... a. to play at ducks and drakes. ..."
4. Notes and Queries by Martim de Albuquerque (1852)
"In my younger days this amusement (so to speak) was called “ducks and drakes.”
MWB Bruges. 370. Legal Time.—Tlme town clerk of Exeter, a short timne since, ..."
5. The slang dictionary: Etymological, Historical, and Anecdotal by John Camden Hotten (1874)
"Ducks, trousers. Sea term. The expression most in use on land is " white DUCKS,"
ie, white pantaloons or trousers. Ducks and Drakes, " to make DUCKS AND ..."
6. A Glossary of Words Used in the Wapentakes of Manley and Corringham by Edward Peacock (1877)
"(1) To play at ducks and drakes is to throw a flat stone or any such-like thing
over the water so as to make it glance along the surface. ..."
7. The Sportsman's Dictionary: Or The Gentleman's Companion: for Town and ...Sports (1800)
"... when all is ready, take the ducks and drakes, and place the ... Manage your
decoy-ducks and drakes as before ; there is no need that the wild ducks ..."
Other Resources:
