The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Lawyer \Law"yer\, n. [From Law, like bowyer, fr. bow.]
   1. One versed in the laws, or a practitioner of law; one
      whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients, or to
      advise as to prosecution or defence of lawsuits, or as to
      legal rights and obligations in other matters. It is a
      general term, comprehending attorneys, counselors,
      solicitors, barristers, sergeants, and advocates.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Zool.)
      (a) The black-necked stilt. See Stilt.
      (b) The bowfin (Amia calva).
      (c) The burbot (Lota maculosa).
          [1913 Webster]

   Philadelphia lawyer, A lawyer knowledgeable about the most
      detailed and minute points of law, especially one with an
      exceptional propensity and ability to exploit fine
      technical points of law for the client's advantage.
      [PJC]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Stilt \Stilt\, n. [OE. stilte; akin to Dan. stylte, Sw. stylta,
   LG. & D. stelt, OHG. stelza, G. stelze, and perh. to E.
   stout.]
   1. A pole, or piece of wood, constructed with a step or loop
      to raise the foot above the ground in walking. It is
      sometimes lashed to the leg, and sometimes prolonged
      upward so as to be steadied by the hand or arm.
      [1913 Webster]

            Ambition is but avarice on stilts, and masked.
                                                  --Landor.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A crutch; also, the handle of a plow. [Prov. Eng.]
      --Halliwell.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Zool.) Any species of limicoline birds belonging to
      Himantopus and allied genera, in which the legs are
      remarkably long and slender. Called also longshanks,
      stiltbird, stilt plover, and lawyer.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: The American species (Himantopus Mexicanus) is well
         known. The European and Asiatic stilt (Himantopus
         candidus) is usually white, except the wings and
         interscapulars, which are greenish black. The
         white-headed stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus) and the
         banded stilt (Cladorhynchus pectoralis) are found in
         Australia.
         [1913 Webster]

   Stilt plover (Zool.), the stilt.

   Stilt sandpiper (Zool.), an American sandpiper
      (Micropalama himantopus) having long legs. The bill is
      somewhat expanded at the tip.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

lawyer
    n 1: a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts
         lawsuits or gives legal advice [syn: lawyer, attorney]

Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary:

Lawyer
   among the Jews, was one versed in the laws of Moses, which he
   expounded in the schools and synagogues (Matt. 22:35; Luke
   10:25). The functions of the "lawyer" and "scribe" were
   identical. (See DOCTOR.)


Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856):

LAWYER. A counselor; one learned in the law. Vide attorney.



The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):

LAWYER, n.  One skilled in circumvention of the law.