A small European bird of the Plover family (Vanellus
   cristatus, or V. vanellus). It has long and broad wings, and is noted
   for its rapid, irregular fight, upwards, downwards, and in circles. Its
   back is coppery or greenish bronze. Its eggs are the "plover's eggs" of
   the London market, esteemed a delicacy. It is called also peewit,
   dastard plover, and wype. The gray lapwing is the Squatarola cinerea.