E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Dot’terel
or Dottrel. A doting old fool; an old man easily cajoled. The bird thus called, a species of plover, is said to be so fond of imitation that any one who excites its curiosity by strange antics may catch it.
1
To dor the dotterel. Dor is an archaic word meaning to trick or cheat. Whence the phrase to “dor the dotterel” means to cheat the simpleton.
