grassquit

[ gras-kwit, grahs- ]

noun

1. any of several tiny finches, especially of the genus Tiaris, of tropical America and the West Indies.

grassquit

/ ˈɡrɑːsˌkwɪt /

noun

1. any tropical American finch of the genus Tiaris and related genera, such as T. olivacea ( yellow-faced grassquit )

Word History and Origins

Origin of grassquit¹

First recorded in 1840–50; grass + quit ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of grassquit¹

from grass + quit, a bird name in Jamaica

Example Sentences

Gosse, P., on grassquit of Jamaica.

From Project Gutenberg