| goldfinch | <zoology> A beautiful bright-coloured European finch (Carduelis elegans). The name refers to the large patch of yellow on the wings. The front of the head and throat are bright red; the nape, with part of the wings and tail, black; called also goldspink, goldie, fool's coat, drawbird, draw-water, thistle finch, and sweet William. The yellow-hammer. A small American finch (Spinus tristis); the thistle bird. The name is also applied to other yellow finches, especially. To several additional American species of Spinus. Origin: AS. Goldfinc. See Gold, and Finch. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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