Walking n. A. & n. from Walk, v. Walking beam. See Beam, 10. Walking crane, a kind of traveling crane. See under Crane. Walking fern. (Bot.) See Walking leaf, below.
Walking fish (Zool.), any one of numerous species of Asiatic fishes of the genus Ophiocephalus, some of which, as Ophiocephalus marulius, become over four feet long. They have a special cavity over the gills lined with a membrane adapted to retain moisture to aid in respiration, and are thus able to travel considerable distances over the land at night, whence the name. They construct a curious nest for their young. Called also langya.
Walking gentleman (Theater), an actor who usually fills subordinate parts which require a gentlemanly appearance but few words. (Cant)
Walking lady (Theater), an actress who usually fills such parts as require only a ladylike appearance on the stage. (Cant)
Walking leaf. (a)(Bot.) A little American fern (Camptosorus rhizophyllus); so called because the fronds taper into slender prolongations which often root at the apex, thus producing new plants.
(b)(Zool.) A leaf insect. See under Leaf. Walking papers, or Walking ticket, an order to leave; dismissal, as from office; as, to get one's walking papers, i. e. to be dismissed or fired. (Colloq.)
Walking stick. (a)A stick or staff carried in the hand for hand for support or amusement when walking; a cane.
(b)(Zool.) A stick insect; called also walking straw.
Walking wheel (Mach.), a prime mover consisting of a wheel driven by the weight of men or animals walking either in it or on it; a treadwheel.
