Adjacent Words

birdlime definitions

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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: a sticky adhesive that is smeared on small branches to capture small birds [syn: birdlime, lime] v
1: spread birdlime on branches to catch birds [syn: birdlime, lime]

Merriam Webster's

noun Date: 15th century 1. a sticky substance usually made from the bark of a holly (Ilex aquifolium) that is smeared on twigs to snare small birds 2. something that ensnares • birdlime transitive verb

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. sticky material painted on to twigs to trap small birds.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Birdlime Bird"lime`, n. [Bird + lime viscous substance.] An extremely adhesive viscid substance, usually made of the middle bark of the holly, by boiling, fermenting, and cleansing it. When a twig is smeared with this substance it will hold small birds which may light upon it. Hence: Anything which insnares. Not birdlime or Idean pitch produce A more tenacious mass of clammy juice. --Dryden. Note: Birdlime is also made from mistletoe, elder, etc.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Birdlime Bird"lime`, v. t. To smear with birdlime; to catch with birdlime; to insnare. When the heart is thus birdlimed, then it cleaves to everything it meets with. --Coodwin.