longshanks

Stilt Stilt, n. [OE. stilte; akin to Dan. stylte, Sw. stylta, LG. & D. stelt, OHG. stelza, G. stelze, and perh. to E. stout.] 1. A pole, or piece of wood, constructed with a step or loop to raise the foot above the ground in walking. It is sometimes lashed to the leg, and sometimes prolonged upward so as to be steadied by the hand or arm. [1913 Webster]

Ambition is but avarice on stilts, and masked. --Landor. [1913 Webster]

2. A crutch; also, the handle of a plow. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell. [1913 Webster]

3. (Zo["o]l.) Any species of limicoline birds belonging to {Himantopus} and allied genera, in which the legs are remarkably long and slender. Called also {longshanks}, {stiltbird}, {stilt plover}, and {lawyer}. [1913 Webster]

Note: The American species ({Himantopus Mexicanus}) is well known. The European and Asiatic stilt ({H. candidus}) is usually white, except the wings and interscapulars, which are greenish black. The white-headed stilt ({H. leucocephalus}) and the banded stilt ({Cladorhynchus pectoralis}) are found in Australia. [1913 Webster]

{Stilt plover} (Zo["o]l.), the stilt.

{Stilt sandpiper} (Zo["o]l.), an American sandpiper ({Micropalama himantopus}) having long legs. The bill is somewhat expanded at the tip. [1913 Webster]