Part 775

Loon, n. [For older loom, Icel. l&?;mr; akin to Dan. & Sw. lom.] (Zoöl.) Any one of several aquatic, wed-footed, northern birds of the genus Urinator (formerly Colymbus), noted for their expertness in diving and swimming under water. The common loon, or great northern diver (Urinator imber, or Colymbus torquatus), and the red-throated loon or diver (U. septentrionalis), are the best known species. See Diver.

Loon"y (?), a. See Luny.

Loop (lp), n. [G. luppe an iron lump. Cf. Looping.] (Iron Works) A mass of iron in a pasty condition gathered into a ball for the tilt hammer or rolls. [Written also loup.]

Loop, n. [Cf. Ir. & Gael. lub loop, noose, fold, thong, bend, lub to bend, incline.] 1. A fold or doubling of a thread, cord, rope, etc., through which another thread, cord, etc., can be passed, or which a hook can be hooked into; an eye, as of metal; a staple; a noose; a bight.

That the probation bear no hinge, nor loop To hang a doubt on.

Shak.

2. A small, narrow opening; a loophole.

And stop all sight-holes, every loop from whence The eye of Reason may pry in upon us.

Shak.

3. A curve of any kind in the form of a loop.

4. (Telegraphy) A wire forming part of a main circuit and returning to the point from which it starts.

5. (Acoustics) The portion of a vibrating string, air column, etc., between two nodes; -- called also ventral segment.

Loop knot, a single knot tied in a doubled cord, etc. so as to leave a loop beyond the knot. See Illust. of Knot.

Loop (lp), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Looped (lpt); p. pr. & vb. n. Looping.] To make a loop of or in; to fasten with a loop or loops; -- often with up; as, to loop a string; to loop up a curtain.

Looped (lpt), a. 1. Bent, folded, or tied, so as to make a loop; as, a looped wire or string.

2. Full of holes. [Obs.] Shak.

Loop"er (lp"r), n. 1. An instrument, as a bodkin, for forming a loop in yarn, a cord, etc.

2. (Zoöl.) The larva of any species of geometrid moths. See Geometrid.

Loop"hole` (?), n. 1. (Mil.) A small opening, as in the walls of fortification, or in the bulkhead of a ship, through which small arms or other weapons may be discharged at an enemy.

2. A hole or aperture that gives a passage, or the means of escape or evasion.

Loop"holed` (?), a. Provided with loopholes.

Loop"ie (?), a. Deceitful; cunning; sly. [Scot.]

Loop"ing, n. [Cf. D. loopen to run. Cf. Loop a mass of iron, Leap.] (Metal.) The running together of the matter of an ore into a mass, when the ore is only heated for calcination.

Loop"ing, p. pr. & vb. n. of Loop.

Looping snail (Zoöl.), any species of land snail of the genus Truncatella; -- so called because it creeps like the measuring worms.

Loop"light` (?), n. A small narrow opening or window in a tower or fortified wall; a loophole.

Loord (?), n. [F. lourd heavy, dull.] A dull, stupid fellow; a drone. [Obs.] Spenser.

Loos (?), n. [OE. los, fr. OF. los, laus.] Praise; fame; reputation. [Obs.] Spenser.