dial. and U.S. [Prob. a later form of SMEATH. It is not clear how either form is related to early mod.Du. smeente (Du. smient), LG. smênt widgeon, G. schmi-, schmü-, schmeiente a small wild duck.]
1. A name variously assigned to the smew, widgeon, pochard and scaup-duck.
1668. Charleton, Onomast., 100. Boscas Mergens, the Diving Widgeon; in Norfolcia, the Smee.
1889. H. Saunders, Brit. Birds, 463. The Smew, or Smeesometimes called Nun is the smallest member of the genus.
1893. [see SMEATH 1].
b. Smee-duck, a pochard.
1862. C. A. Johns, Brit. Birds, 516. On some parts of the coast of Norfolk I found that they are included with the Wigeon under the common name of Smee-Duck.
2. U.S. In New Jersey: = SMEATH 2.
1888. G. Trumbull, Names & Portr. Birds, 38.