Lark , v. i. To catch larks; as, to go larking.
Lark , n. [OE.
larke, laverock, AS. lāwerce; akin to D.
leeuwerik, LG. lewerke, OHG. lērahha, G. lerche, Sw.
lärka, Dan.
lerke, Icel. lævirki.]
(Zoöl.) Any one numerous species of singing birds of the genus Alauda and allied genera (family Alaudidæ). They mostly belong to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. In America they are represented by the shore
larks, or horned larks, of the genus
Otocoris. The true larks
have holaspidean tarsi, very long hind claws, and, usually, dull, sandy brown colors.
&fist; The European skylark, or lark of the poets (Alauda arvensis), is of a brown mottled color, and is
noted for its clear and
sweet song, uttered as it rises and
descends almost perpendicularly in the air. It is considered a table delicacy, and immense numbers are killed for the markets. Other well-known European species are the crested, or tufted, lark (Alauda cristata), and
the wood lark (A. arborea). The pipits, or titlarks, of the genus
Anthus (family Motacillidæ) are often called larks. See Pipit. The American meadow larks, of the genus
Sturnella, are allied
to the starlings. See Meadow Lark. The Australian bush lark is Mirafra Horsfieldii.
See Shore lark.
Lark bunting (Zoöl.),
a fringilline bird (Calamospiza melanocorys) found on the
plains of the Western United States.
-- Lark sparrow
(Zoöl.), a sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), found in the
Mississippi Valley and the Western United States.
Lark , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Larked (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Larking.]
To sport; to frolic. [Colloq.]
Lark (lärk), n. [Perh fr. AS. lāc play, sport. Cf. Lake, v. i.]
A frolic; a jolly time. [Colloq.] Dickens.
Hear it pronounced