birdlime Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a sticky adhesive that is smeared on small branches to capture small birds
    lime.
  2. verb spread birdlime on branches to catch birds
    lime.

WordNet


Bird"lime` noun
Etymology
Bird + lime viscous substance.
Definitions
  1. 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.
    Birdlime is also made from mistletoe, elder, etc.
Bird"lime` transitive verb
Definitions
  1. 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.

Webster 1913