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linnet

[ lin-it ]

noun

  1. a small Old World finch, Carduelis cannabina.
  2. any of various related birds, as the house finch.


linnet

/ ˈlɪnɪt /

noun

  1. a brownish Old World finch, Acanthis cannabina : the male has a red breast and forehead
  2. Also calledhouse finch a similar and related North American bird, Carpodacus mexicanus
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of linnet1

1520–30; earlier linet < Middle French (Walloon, Picard ) linette ( French linot, linotte ), derivative of lin flax ( line 1; so named for its diet of flaxseeds); -et
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Word History and Origins

Origin of linnet1

C16: from Old French linotte, ultimately from Latin līnum flax (because the bird feeds on flaxseeds)
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Example Sentences

No one would have known that it was anything but a common linnet, and yesterday the queen would have thought so too.

"The linnet's plumage is sleek, and her song pleasant to hear," retorted Ninyas with a mocking laugh.

The "Linnet" thereupon dashed in among the American gunboats, and, driving them off, commenced a raking fire upon the "Saratoga."

Under the stern of the "Saratoga" lay the "Linnet," pouring in raking broadsides.

Yet neither with linnet nor with lark could her little wee son woo the smiles back to his dear mother's face.

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Linnean classificationlinnet hole