jackdaw

views updated Jun 11 2018

jack·daw / ˈjakˌdô/ • n. a small, gray-headed Eurasian crow (genus Corvus, esp. C. monedula) that typically nests in tall buildings and chimneys.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

jackdaw

views updated May 14 2018

jackdaw Gregarious black-and-grey bird that frequents open country near buildings or cliffs. Smaller than its relative, the crow, it has a grey head and white-rimmed eyes. It lives in colonies. Family Corvidae; species Corvus monedula.

World Encyclopedia

jackdaw

views updated Jun 08 2018

jackdaw noted for its inquisitiveness, its ability to mimic the sound of words, and its propensity to steal bright objects. It is also mentioned allusively in reference to the fable of a jackdaw which decked itself out in peacock's feathers to impress the other birds.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

jackdaw

views updated May 23 2018

jackdaw XVI. f. JACK1 + DAW.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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jackdaw

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