linnet

(lin′it)

noun

either of two small, variously colored finches, an Old World species (Acanthis cannabina) or a New World species (Carpodacus mexicanus)

Origin: ME linet < OFr linette < lin, flax (< L linum): so called because it feeds on flaxseed

See linnet in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A small Old World finch (Carduelis cannabina) having brownish plumage.
A similar bird (Carpodacus mexicanus) of Mexico and the western United States. Also called house finch.

Origin:

Origin: Obsolete French linette

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from lin, flax (from its feeding on flax seed)

Origin: , from Latin līnum; see lĭ̄no- in Indo-European roots

Learn more about linnet

linnet in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD