canary seed

American  

noun

1. birdseed.

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canary seed British  

noun

1. another name for birdseed

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Etymology

Origin of canary seed

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

He went shopping for canary seed and Polly, loose in the pet shop, settled on his shoulder and said, 'Pretty boy, I love you so.'

From Time Magazine Archive

But I shall be a-practisin' my haitches, Sir," he promised me, as I went out with the canary seed which I had called to purchase—"practise 'em 'ard, I shall.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 156, January 29, 1919 by Various

"Only," added Susan, "I must buy Dicky's canary seed."

From The Stokesley Secret by Yonge, Charlotte Mary

In some parts of29 this country canary seed might be grown very easily and it would find a large sale if enough of it were produced to meet the demand which would soon grow up.

From Profitable Squab Breeding by Dare, Carl

P. Canariensis is the useful canary seed: it may be propagated from seed on any soil.

From Gardening for the Million by Pink, Alfred