hempseed

[hemp-seed]

noun

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 of hempseed

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.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II
Various
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