blackcap

American  

[blak-kap] / ˈblækˌkæp /

noun

1. any of several birds having the top of the head black, as the chickadee and certain warblers, especially the Old World blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla.

2. the black raspberry plant or fruit.

---

blackcap British  

/ ˈblækˌkæp /

noun

1. a brownish-grey Old World warbler, Sylvia atricapilla , the male of which has a black crown

2. any of various similar birds, such as the black-capped chickadee ( Parus atricapillus )

3. a popular name for raspberry

4. (formerly) the cap worn by a judge when passing a death sentence

---

Etymology

Origin of blackcap

First recorded in 1650–60; black + cap ¹

Example Sentences

Conceding to the Nightingale the first place among the warblers which visit England, we do not hesitate to claim the second for the Blackcap.

From British Birds in their Haunts by Johns, Rev. C. A.

On its first arrival in April, the Blackcap is in the habit of what bird-fanciers call 'recording'—that is, practising over its song in a low tone.

From British Birds in their Haunts by Johns, Rev. C. A.

At last she could hold her peace no longer, but called out in a loud voice, "Look under the leaf, Blackcap!"

From Pepper & Salt or, Seasoning for Young Folk by Pyle, Howard

Audrey was quiet, but she was as set as Blackcap Down.

From Masters of the Guild by Lamprey, L.

But the Garden-Warbler224 is not the only bird that acts as a stimulus to the instinct of the Blackcap; Whitethroats are often attacked, and the Chiffchaff is a source of irritation.

From Territory in Bird Life by Howard, H. Eliot