birdlime

[ burd-lahym ]

noun

1. a sticky material prepared from holly, mistletoe, or other plants, and smeared on twigs to catch small birds that light on it.

verb (used with object)

, bird·limed, bird·lim·ing.

1. to smear with birdlime.
2. to catch or capture, as with birdlime:

   to be birdlimed by flattery.

birdlime

/ ˈbɜːdˌlaɪm /

noun

1. a sticky substance, prepared from holly, mistletoe, or other plants, smeared on twigs to catch small birds

verb

1. tr to smear (twigs) with birdlime to catch (small birds)

Word History and Origins

Origin of birdlime¹

First recorded in 1400–50, birdlime is from the late Middle English word brydelyme. See bird, lime ²

Example Sentences

She noticed that the tree trunk was still scarred by foot holes and the birdlime barrier was still intact.

From Literature

Without the peregrine falcons to keep them in check, they were so numerous that the courthouse windows and ledges were white with birdlime.

From Literature

Not birdlime or Idean pitch produce A more tenacious mass of clammy juice.

From Project Gutenberg

"You took a flat stick and applied birdlime to the top, and drew the money out through the chink, you rogue," said his holiness, severely.

From Project Gutenberg

Oh, what unutterable corruption sticks, like birdlime, to all our motives, all our thoughts, all our words, all our actions!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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