Grēbe, n.

n. [Fr. grèbe, from Armor. krib, comb, kribel, kriben, crest, W. crib, comb, crest, because one variety of it is called the crested grebe, Fr. le grèbe huppé, N. Lat. colymbus crystatus. Cf. CAR-GOOSE.] (Ornith.) A marine bird, of the genus Podiceps, having a straight, sharp beak, flattened, lobated toes, and very short wings, and expert at diving. It is common in the northern parts of both continents. The crested grebe is P. cristatus; the little grebe, or dab-chick, is P. minor.