bullfinch

¹

[ bool-finch ]

noun

1. a European finch, Pyrrhula pyrrhula, often kept as a pet, the male of which has a black, white, and bluish-gray back and a rosy breast.
2. any of several related or similar birds.

bullfinch

²

[ bool-finch ]

noun

1. a hedge high enough to impede mounted hunters.

bullfinch

¹

/ ˈbʊlˌfɪntʃ /

noun

1. a high thick hedge too difficult for a horse and rider to jump

bullfinch

²

/ ˈbʊlˌfɪntʃ /

noun

1. a common European finch, Pyrrhula pyrrhula : the male has a bright red throat and breast, black crown, wings, and tail, and a grey-and-white back
2. any of various similar finches

Word History and Origins

Origin of bullfinch¹

1560–70; bull ¹ (perhaps in sense “bull-necked”) + finch

Origin of bullfinch²

First recorded in 1825–35; of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of bullfinch¹

C19: perhaps changed from the phrase bull fence

Origin of bullfinch²

C14: see bull ¹, finch ; probably so called from its stocky shape and thick neck

Example Sentences

Little Blue—Bullfinch's tail feather for wings, dark blue silk for body, dark blue hackle for legs, tail do.

From Project Gutenberg

See my colours how bright they are, so that you would hardly know me from a bullfinch.

From Project Gutenberg

There was nothing that Rachel was anxious to carry away with her but a little bullfinch, of which she was very fond.

From Project Gutenberg

The bold and handsome bullfinch builds in the low hawthorn hedge which bounds it upon one side.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, Bullfinch was that broker with whom the Colonel had his dealings.

From Project Gutenberg