bullfinch
bullfinch Lexical Profile
bullfinch Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A stout Eurasian songbird of the finch family (genus Pyrrhula), characterized by a short, thick bill, a black cap, and, in the male, a brightly colored rosy-red breast.
"During our winter walk through the woods, we spotted a bright red male bullfinch perched on a frost-covered branch."
British A tall, thick hedge, traditionally made of hawthorn, used as an obstacle in equestrian cross-country jumping and fox hunting, which a horse typically jumps through rather than over.
"The rider braced herself as her horse confidently crashed through the dense bullfinch during the cross-country event."
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'bulfynch' (late 15th century). The prefix 'bull-' was likely applied because of the bird's notably thick, robust neck and front, giving it a somewhat heavy, bull-like appearance compared to other finches.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.