throstle

American  

[thros-uhl] / ˈθrɒs əl /

noun

1. British (chiefly Literary). the song thrush.

2. Obsolete. a machine for spinning wool, cotton, etc., in which the twisting and winding are simultaneous and continuous.

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throstle British  

/ ˈθrɒsəl /

noun

1. a poetic name for the thrush, esp the song thrush

2. a spinning machine for wool or cotton in which the fibres are twisted and wound continuously

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Etymology

Origin of throstle

before 900; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Dutch drossel, German Drossel; akin to Old Norse thrǫstr, Latin turdus thrush

Example Sentences

"What do you think of this passage?" he scornfully asked a Shakespearean enthusiast: " 'I would as lief be thrust through a quicket hedge as cry Pooh to a callow throstle.'"

From Time Magazine Archive

"She heard a throstle singing by the brook," whispered the châtelaine of Aulnes.

From Barbarians by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)

Barbara was nineteen, and she had a voice which for gaiety and sweetness was like that of a throstle.

From Cruel Barbara Allen From Coals Of Fire And Other Stories, Volume II. (of III.) by Murray, David Christie

All this meant victory for his dearest hopes, and so he leapt to his feet, and marched off whistling like the throstle.

From Bulldog And Butterfly From "Schwartz" by David Christie Murray by Murray, David Christie

Yellow hair at her, and eyes like the sea, and a voice same as the throstle!

From Capt'n Davy's Honeymoon by Caine, Hall, Sir