Mole \Mole\, n. [OE. molle, either shortened fr. moldwerp, or
   from the root of E. mold soil: cf. D. mol, OD. molworp. See
   {Moldwarp}.]
   1. (Zool.) Any insectivore of the family {Talpidae}. They
      have minute eyes and ears, soft fur, and very large and
      strong fore feet.
      
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   Note: The common European mole, or moldwarp ({Talpa  Europaea}), is noted for its extensive burrows. The
         common American mole, or shrew mole ({Scalops  aquaticus}), and star-nosed mole ({Condylura cristata})
         have similar habits.
         
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   Note: In the Scriptures, the name is applied to two
         unindentified animals, perhaps the chameleon and mole
         rat.
         
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   2. A plow of peculiar construction, for forming underground
      drains. [U.S.]
      
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   3. (fig.)A spy who lives for years an apparently normal life
      (to establish a cover) before beginning his spying
      activities.
      [PJC]

   {Duck mole}. See under {Duck}.

   {Golden mole}. See {Chrysochlore}.

   {Mole cricket} (Zool.), an orthopterous insect of the genus
      {Gryllotalpa}, which excavates subterranean galleries, and
      throws up mounds of earth resembling those of the mole. It
      is said to do damage by injuring the roots of plants. The
      common European species ({Gryllotalpa vulgaris}), and the
      American ({Gryllotalpa borealis}), are the best known.

   {Mole rat} (Zool.), any one of several species of Old World
      rodents of the genera {Spalax}, {Georychus}, and several
      allied genera. They are molelike in appearance and habits,
      and their eyes are small or rudimentary.

   {Mole shrew} (Zool.), any one of several species of
      short-tailed American shrews of the genus {Blarina}, esp.
      {Blarina brevicauda}.

   {Water mole}, the duck mole.
      
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Duck \Duck\, n. [OE. duke, doke. See {Duck}, v. t. ]
   1. (Zool.) Any bird of the subfamily {Anatinae}, family
      {Anatidae}.
      
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   Note: The genera and species are numerous. They are divided
         into {river ducks} and {sea ducks}. Among the former
         are the common domestic duck ({Anas boschas}); the wood
         duck ({Aix sponsa}); the beautiful mandarin duck of
         China ({Dendronessa galeriliculata}); the Muscovy duck,
         originally of South America ({Cairina moschata}). Among
         the sea ducks are the eider, canvasback, scoter, etc.
         
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   2. A sudden inclination of the bead or dropping of the
      person, resembling the motion of a duck in water.
      
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            Here be, without duck or nod,
            Other trippings to be trod.           --Milton.
      
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   {Bombay duck} (Zool.), a fish. See {Bummalo}.

   {Buffel duck}, {Spirit duck}. See {Buffel duck}.

   {Duck ant} (Zool.), a species of white ant in Jamaica which
      builds large nests in trees.

   {Duck barnacle}. (Zool.) See {Goose barnacle}.

   {Duck hawk}. (Zool.)
      (a) In the United States: The peregrine falcon.
      (b) In England: The marsh harrier or moor buzzard.

   {Duck mole} (Zool.), a small aquatic mammal of Australia,
      having webbed feet and a bill resembling that of a duck
      ({Ornithorhynchus anatinus}). It belongs the subclass
      Monotremata and is remarkable for laying eggs like a bird
      or reptile; -- called also {duckbill}, {platypus},
      {mallangong}, {mullingong}, {tambreet}, and {water mole}.
      

   {To make ducks and drakes}, to throw a flat stone obliquely,
      so as to make it rebound repeatedly from the surface of
      the water, raising a succession of jets; hence:

   {To play at ducks and drakes}, with property, to throw it
      away heedlessly or squander it foolishly and unprofitably.
      

   {Lame duck}. See under {Lame}.
      
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