bird's mouth

American  

noun

Carpentry.

1. a right-angled notch cut in the underside of a rafter for fitting over a longitudinal member, as a wall plate.

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Etymology

Origin of bird's mouth

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

In one motion, the boy on the raft snatched the fish from the bird’s mouth and threw it to the other boy on the boat.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan

Besides, the roof of the bird's mouth is grooved or convex, and therefore the character of the sounds will be somewhat dependent upon the position and movement of the upper mandible.

From Our Bird Comrades by Keyser, Leander S. (Leander Sylvester)

The young bird's mouth is wide open, and in pops the nice spoonful of broth!

From Jean Francois Millet by Hurll, Estelle M. (Estelle May)

He ended with a little strain of song, so sweet and pleading that Minnie could have kissed him for it, only, you know, a bird's mouth is rather sharp to kiss.

From Minnie; or, The Little Woman A Fairy Story by Guild, Caroline Snowden

I seen the bird's mouth wide open as they come home, 'n' Joe has double wraps on him.

From Blister Jones by Hambridge, Jay