puddick

Updated: August 29, 2026

In some places, from their making this peculiar noise, frogs have been called "Dutch nightingales." In Scotland, too, they have a curious name, Paddock or Puddick; but there is poetical authority for it: "The water-snake whom fish and paddocks feed, With staring scales lies poisoned."

- Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 6

Then, as they reached the door, and Scarlett entered, Nat put on his cap, gave his knee a slap, and with one set of wrinkles disappearing from his countenance to make room for another, like a human dissolving view, he burst out into a low chuckle. "That'll knock the wind out of old Samson's sails! A miserable, cowardly, fat-headed old puddick. He wouldn't have the courage to do that." "Nat!"

George Manville Fenn - Crown and Sceptre: A West Country Story