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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) A California fish; the rock trout. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A structure of piles driven round the piers of a bridge for protection and support; -- called also sterling. [ 1913 Webster ]

Rose-colored starling. (Zool.) See Pastor. [ 1913 Webster ]