titling
noun/ˈtɪtlɪŋ/
Etymology Uncertain. Superficially tit (“a small bird”) + -ling (“small”). Attested from the 16th century. Probably from Icelandic titlingr (“tit sparrow”), Old Norse titlingr (“sparrow”). Compare Old Norse tittr (“titmouse”). Also see Middle English titmose (“titmouse”).
1
The hedge sparrow, dunnock, titlene, Prunella modularis.
- The Titling therefore that sitteth, being thus deceived, hatcheth the egge and bringeth up the chicke of another bird.1601, Pliny the Elder, translated by Philemon Holland, The Historie of the World, Book X:
- […]its winter note resembles the word, Tit, Tit, often repeated, which has given it the name of Titling in many parts of the country.1821, George Graves, British Ornithology, SYLVIA MODULARIS, page 540:
2
The meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis).
- In the North this is so commonly observed, that the cuckoo is popularly believed to be always attended by the titling or pippet (Anthus pratensis, Bechstein), which it is further imagined, has been its step-mother and nurse from the egg;1833, “Eagle shooting in the Alps”, in The Sportsman’s Cabinet, and Town and Country Magazine, page 126:
3
Obsolete, In customhouses Stockfish.
- “[…]Stock-fish—Titling—Cropling—Lub-fish. You should have noted that they are all, nevertheless, to be entered as titlings. How many inches long is a titling?”1817, Walter Scott, Rob Roy:
- Derived terms
- sea titling