‖n. pl. [ L., geese. ] (Zool.) A Linnæan order of aquatic birds swimming by means of webbed feet, as the duck, or of lobed feet, as the grebe. In this order were included the geese, ducks, auks, divers, gulls, petrels, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]
‖prop. n. pl. [ NL., fr. L. passer a sparrow. ] (Zool.) An order, or suborder, of birds, including more that half of all the known species. It embraces all singing birds (Oscines), together with many other small perching birds. [ 1913 Webster ]