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redbreast

[red-brest]
noun
  1. the European robin, Erithacus rubecula.
  2. the North American robin, Turdus migratorius.
  3. any of various other birds, as a dowitcher or knot.
  4. a freshwater sunfish, Lepomis auritus, of the eastern U.S.
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Origin of redbreast

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at red1, breast
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for redbreast

Historical Examples

  • Except the wintry notes of the redbreast, nature herself is mute.

    Our Village

    Mary Russell Mitford

  • But the Blue-Bird does not equal the Redbreast as a songster.

  • Imbrie asked with intolerable insolence: “Will you be my servant, Redbreast?”

    The Woman from Outside

    Hulbert Footner

  • The next day he asked the redbreast if he knew the way to the golden chest.

    The Quest

    Frederik van Eeden

  • The Redbreast was not afraid of Johannes; it flew on to his arm.

    Little Johannes

    Frederik van Eeden

British Dictionary definitions for redbreast

redbreast

noun
  1. any of various birds having a red breast, esp the Old World robinSee robin (def. 1)
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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

Word Origin and History for redbreast

n.

early 15c., of the English robin, from red (adj.1) + breast (n.). Later of the American bird.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper