lime twig

noun

1. a twig smeared with birdlime to catch birds.
2. a snare or trap.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lime twig¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

As soon as the hoopoe sees the worms it darts upon them, and thus makes the lime twig fall upon itself, which embarrasses it.

From Project Gutenberg

Fine fowlers they are, for every finger of theirs is a lime twig with which they catch dotterels.

From Project Gutenberg

Now I should follow him; but love has laid a lime-twig for me, and made a lame god of me.

From Project Gutenberg