bullfinch

¹ American  

[bool-finch] / ˈbʊlˌfɪntʃ /

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.

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bullfinch ² American  

[bool-finch] / ˈbʊlˌfɪntʃ /

noun

1. a hedge high enough to impede mounted hunters.

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bullfinch ¹ British  

/ 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

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bullfinch ² British  

/ ˈbʊlˌfɪntʃ /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of bullfinch¹

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

Origin of bullfinch²

First recorded in 1825–35; of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

A poll conducted by the conservative advocacy group Freedom Works in connection with the Bullfinch Group found that education, crime and safety, and the economy ranked as the top issues for Hispanic voters.

From Washington Times • Oct. 28, 2021

Abigail and her children “went ten miles from their home in Braintree to Boston, to be inoculated by Dr. Thomas Bullfinch, an expert at the procedure,” Foster wrote.

From Washington Post • Dec. 12, 2020

The Henley Conservative MP John Howell pointed out the lessons that are being learned, saying that Operation Bullfinch, which brought the perpetrators to justice, has transformed the legal landscape in which cases can be heard.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2015

Operation Bullfinch senior investigating officer Det Supt Joe Kidman said: "The convictions here today show that Operation Bullfinch is continuing in earnest."

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2014

It was not the car that was jerky, Jerry discovered, but Mr. Bullfinch.

From Jerry's Charge Account by Geer, Charles