Word Study
Blackbird
CIDE DICTIONARY
Blackbird, n.
In England, a species of thrush (Turdus merula ), a singing bird with a fin note; the merle. In America the name is given to several birds, as the Quiscalus versicolor , or crow blackbird; the Agelæus phœniceus , or red-winged blackbird; the cowbird; the rusty grackle, etc. See Redwing. [1913 Webster]
Blackbird, n.
- Among slavers and pirates, a negro or Polynesian. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
- A native of any of the islands near Queensland; -- called also
Kanaka . [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Blackbird, v. i.
to engage in the slave trade. [PJC]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Blackbird, n.
1 a common thrush, Turdus merula, of which the male is black with an orange beak.
2 US any of various birds, esp. a grackle, with black plumage.
3 hist. a kidnapped Negro or Polynesian on a slave-ship.
1 a common thrush, Turdus merula, of which the male is black with an orange beak.
2 US any of various birds, esp. a grackle, with black plumage.
3 hist. a kidnapped Negro or Polynesian on a slave-ship.
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