LINNET

linnet, lintwhite, Carduelis cannabina

(noun) small Old World finch whose male has a red breast and forehead

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Proper noun

Linnet

A female given name from English, occasionally recorded since the 19th century.

Etymology

Noun

linnet (plural linnets)

A small passerine bird, the common linnet (Linaria cannabina, syn. Carduelis cannabina), in the finch family Fringillidae, native to Europe, western Asia, and north Africa.

(US) A house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), of North America.

Synonyms

• (common linnet et al): lintwhite (archaic)

Source: Wiktionary

Lin"net, n. Etym: [F. linot, linotte, from L. linum flax; or perh. shortened from AS.linetwige, fr. AS. lin flax; -- so called because it feeds on the seeds of flax and hemp. See Linen.] (Zoöl.)

Definition: Any one of several species of fringilline birds of the genera Linota, Acanthis, and allied genera, esp. the common European species (L. cannabina), which, in full summer plumage, is chestnut brown above, with the breast more or less crimson. The feathers of its head are grayish brown, tipped with crimson. Called also gray linnet, red linnet, rose linnet, brown linnet, lintie, lintwhite, gorse thatcher, linnet finch, and greater redpoll. The American redpoll linnet (Acanthis linaria) often has the crown and throat rosy. See Redpoll, and Twite. Green linnet (Zoöl.), the European green finch.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition