ˈthistle-finch
[f. as prec. + finch; cf. G. distelfink, OHG. distilvinko, Du. distelvink.]
Any one of several species of finches which feed on the seeds of the thistle; spec. the goldfinch, Carduelis elegans.
| 1589 Fleming Virg. Georg. iii. 48 The singing thistle⁓finch. 1678 Ray Willughby's Ornith. 256 The Goldfinch, or Thistle-finch. 1736 Ainsworth Lat. Dict. iii. s.v. Aēdon, She is feigned to have died for grief, and to be turned into a linnet, or thistlefinch. 1851 Broderip Leaves fr. Note Bk. Nat. (1852) 230 The goldfinch or thistlefinch passes much of its time among flowers. |