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

In effect both father and son became fast to the birdlime figure, when they were stung to death by ten thousand bees.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet this is that wherewith the world is taken, and runs mad to gaze on—clothes and titles, the birdlime of fools.

From Project Gutenberg

Such was Biddy Tibs; and, though possessed of no mean wealth, her avarice clung like birdlime to her.

From Project Gutenberg

The former consists of shavings from old documents, and the latter of birdlime for new converts.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the birdlime with which the devil catches many a female and male soul.

From Project Gutenberg

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