jay

views updated May 18 2018

jay / / • 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.

jay

views updated May 11 2018

jay 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).

jay

views updated Jun 27 2018

jay 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.

blue jay

views updated May 23 2018

blue jay • n. a common North American jay (Cyanocitta cristata) with a blue crest, back, wings, and tail.