Starling \Star"ling\ (-l[i^]ng), n. [OE. sterlyng, a dim. of OE.
   stare, AS. staer; akin to AS. stearn, G. star, staar, OHG.
   stara, Icel. starri, stari, Sw. stare, Dan. staer, L.
   sturnus. Cf. Stare a starling.]
   1. (Zool.) Any passerine bird belonging to Sturnus and
      allied genera. The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
      is dark brown or greenish black, with a metallic gloss,
      and spotted with yellowish white. It is a sociable bird,
      and builds about houses, old towers, etc. Called also
      stare, and starred. The pied starling of India is
      Sternopastor contra.
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   2. (Zool.) A California fish; the rock trout.
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   3. A structure of piles driven round the piers of a bridge
      for protection and support; -- called also sterling.
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   Rose-colored starling. (Zool.) See Pastor.
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