Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Goldfinch
Gold′finchˊ
,Noun.
(Zool.)
(a)
A beautiful bright-colored 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
. (b)
The yellow-hammer.
(c)
A small American finch (
Spinus tristis
); the thistle bird. ☞ The name is also applied to other yellow finches, esp. to several additional American species of
Spinus
. Webster 1828 Edition
Goldfinch
GOLDFINCH
,Noun.