\Boo"by\ (b[=oo]"b[y^]), n.; pl. {Boobies} (-b[i^]z). [Sp.
bobo dunce, idiot; cf. L. balbus stammering, E. barbarous.]
1. A dunce; a stupid fellow.
2. (Zo["o]l.)
   (a) A swimming bird ({Sula fiber} or {S. sula}) related to
       the common gannet, and found in the West Indies,
       nesting on the bare rocks. It is so called on account
       of its apparent stupidity. The name is also sometimes
       applied to other species of gannets; as, {S.
       piscator}, the red-footed booby.
   (b) A species of penguin of the antarctic seas.
{Booby hatch} (Naut.), a kind of wooden hood over a hatch,
   readily removable.
{Booby hut}, a carriage body put upon sleigh runners. [Local,
   U. S.] --Bartlett.
{Booby hutch}, a clumsy covered carriage or seat, used in the
   eastern part of England. --Forby.
{Booby trap}, a schoolboy's practical joke, as a shower bath
   when a door is opened.

\Boo"by\ (b[=oo]"b[y^]), a.
Having the characteristics of a booby; stupid.