\Star"ling\, n. [OE. sterlyng, a dim. of OE. stare, AS.
st[ae]r; akin to AS. stearn, G. star, staar, OHG. stara,
Icel. starri, stari, Sw. stare, Dan. st[ae]r, L. sturnus. Cf.
{Stare} a starling.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) 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}.
2. (Zo["o]l.) A California fish; the rock trout.
3. A structure of piles driven round the piers of a bridge
   for protection and support; -- called also {sterling}.
{Rose-colored starling}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Pastor}.