Teal (?), n. [OE. tele; akin to D. teling a generation, production, teal, telen to breed, produce, and E. till to cultivate. The English word probably once meant, a brood or flock. See Till to cultivate.] Zool.

Any one of several species of small fresh-water ducks of the genus Anas and the subgenera Querquedula and Nettion. The male is handsomely colored, and has a bright green or blue speculum on the wings.

⇒ The common European teal (Anas crecca) and the European blue-winged teal, or garganey (A. querquedula or A. circia), are well-known species. In America the blue-winged teal (A. discors), the green-winged teal (A. Carolinensis), and the cinnamon teal (A. cynaoptera) are common species, valued as game birds. See Garganey.

Goose teal, a goslet. See Goslet. -- Teal duck, the common European teal.

© Webster 1913.