polliwog

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

From earlier polwigge, from Middle English polwygle, equal to poll (“head”) + wiggle.

From beneath the caribao's rotund belly, below the surface, an indistinct form shot out; cleaving the water like a polliwog it glided for the bank, and then a black, round head emerged at the feet of the Maestro. — Americans All: Stories of American Life of To-Day, Unknown

tadpole, pollywog

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