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hempseed

[hemp-seed]
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noun
  1. the seed of hemp, used as food for birds.

Origin of hempseed

Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325; see origin at hemp, seed
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for hempseed

Historical Examples

  • Bullfinches, when fed on hempseed, often become wholly black.

    The Natural History of Selborne, Vol. 1

    Gilbert White

  • I sow hempseed, hempseed I sow,   He that loves me best Come, and after me now.

    Welsh Folk-Lore

    Elias Owen

  • The erosion of the mucous membrane was not larger than a hempseed.

  • But this was too much for Mr. Hempseed's querulous philosophy.

    The Scarlet Pimpernel

    Baroness Orczy

  • Mr. Hempseed, touching his forelock, was quietly vacating the seat in the hearth.

    The Scarlet Pimpernel

    Baroness Orczy