jay
oxford
views updated May 18 2018jay / jā/ • n. 1. a bird of the crow family with boldly patterned plumage, typically having blue feathers in the wings or tail. • Family Corvidae: several genera and numerous species, in particular the Eurasian Garrulus glandarius, with a crest, mainly pinkish-brown plumage, and a harsh screech. 2. archaic a person who chatters impertinently.
The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English
jay
oxford
views updated May 11 2018jay XIII. — OF.
jay (mod.
geai) :- late L.
gaius, beside
gaia; perh. f. the L. proper name
Gaius (cf. the use of other personal names, as
jackdaw,
robin).
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD
jay
oxford
views updated Jun 27 2018jay Any of several species of harsh-voiced birds related to the
magpie and
jackdaw. It has blue wing markings. Length: 34.2cm (13.5in). Family Corvidae.
World Encyclopedia
blue jay
oxford
views updated May 23 2018blue jay •
n. a common North American jay (Cyanocitta cristata) with a blue crest, back, wings, and tail.
The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English