Rud·dy a. [Compar. Ruddier superl. Ruddiest.]
1. Of a red color; red, or reddish; as, a ruddy sky; a ruddy flame.
They were more ruddy in body than rubies. --Lam. iv. 7.
2. Of a lively flesh color, or the color of the human skin in high health; as, ruddy cheeks or lips.
Ruddy duck Zool., an American duck (Erismatura rubida) having a broad bill and a wedge-shaped tail composed of stiff, sharp feathers. The adult male is rich brownish red on the back, sides, and neck, black on the top of the head, nape, wings, and tail, and white on the cheeks. The female and young male are dull brown mixed with blackish on the back; grayish below. Called also dunbird, dundiver, ruddy diver, stifftail, spinetail, hardhead, sleepy duck, fool duck, spoonbill, etc.
Ruddy plover Zool. the sanderling.
Sleep·y a. [Compar. Sleepier superl. Sleepiest.]
1. Drowsy; inclined to, or overcome by, sleep.
She waked her sleepy crew. --Dryden.
2. Tending to induce sleep; soporiferous; somniferous; as, a sleepy drink or potion.
3. Dull; lazy; heavy; sluggish.
'Tis not sleepy business;
But must be looked to speedily and strongly. --Shak.
4. Characterized by an absence of watchfulness; as, sleepy security.
Sleepy duck Zool., the ruddy duck.
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