Jack·snipe n. Zool. (a) A small European snipe (Limnocryptes gallinula); -- called also judcock, jedcock, juddock, jed, and half snipe. (b) A small American sandpiper (Tringa maculata); -- called also pectoral sandpiper, and grass snipe.

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 Pec·to·ral a.
 1. Of or pertaining to the breast, or chest; as, the pectoral muscles.
 2. Relating to, or good for, diseases of the chest or lungs; as, a pectoral remedy.
 3. Zool. Having the breast conspicuously colored; as, the pectoral sandpiper.
 Pectoral arch, or Pectoral girdle Anat., the two or more bony or cartilaginous pieces of the vertebrate skeleton to which the fore limbs are articulated; the shoulder girdle.  In man it consists of two bones, the scapula and clavicle, on each side.
 Pectoral cross Eccl., a cross worn on the breast by bishops and abbots, and sometimes also by canons.
 Pectoral fins, or Pectorals Zool., fins situated on the sides, behind the gills. See Illust. under Fin.
 Pectoral rail. Zool. See Land rail (b) under Land.
 Pectoral sandpiper Zool., the jacksnipe (b).


 pectoral sandpiper
      n : American sandpiper that inflates its chest when courting
          [syn: jacksnipe, Calidris melanotos]