The greater coverts, (tetrices secundæ, Linn.) are the feathers that lie immediately over the quill feathers and the secondaries.
The primores or primary quills, (primores, Linn.) are the largest feathers of the wings; they rise from the first bone.
The secondaries, or secondary quills (secondariæ, Linn.) are those that rise from the second bone.
The tertials take their rise from the second bone, at the elbow joint, forming a continuation of the secondaries, and seem to do the same with the scapulars, which lie over them. These feathers are so long in some of the scolopax and tringa genera, that when the bird is flying they give it the appearance of having four wings.—Montagu.
Wing, v. To furnish with wings; to enable to fly; to maim a bird by hitting the wing; to supply with side bodies.
Winged, a. Furnished with wings; flying; swift, rapid; hurt in the wing.
Wipe, v. To cleanse by rubbing with something soft; to take away by tersion.
Wire, s. Metal drawn into slender threads.
Wisp, s. A small bundle, as of hay or straw.
Withers, s. Is the joining of the shoulder-bones at the bottom of the neck and mane.