Birdlime Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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birdlime
[ˈbɜːrdlaɪm ]
Definition
bird trapping
Birdlime is a sticky substance made from the sap of certain trees, used to catch birds by coating branches or twigs. When birds land on the treated areas, their feet become stuck, allowing the trapper to capture them. Historically, it was a common method for catching small birds.
Synonyms
adhesive, glue, sticky substance.
Examples of usage
- He applied birdlime on the branches to catch the sparrows.
- The old technique of using birdlime can still be effective.
- Using birdlime, they were able to trap several finches.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Usage
- In medieval Europe, hunters used birdlime to catch songbirds for both sport and food.
- The process of making birdlime involves mixing natural ingredients like willow tree sap with other sticky substances.
- Folk methods of bird-capturing using birdlime were often shared in community gatherings, showcasing traditional hunting skills.
Science
- The sticky nature of birdlime is due to its chemical composition, which can adhere to feather structures.
- Birds rely on their feathers for flight, so getting stuck makes it difficult for them to escape and navigate.
- This material is also used in research to understand bird behavior and migration patterns by tracking trapped birds.
Cultural References
- Birdlime has appeared in various literary works, often symbolizing deception and entrapment.
- In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', a metaphorical use relates to how enticement can lead to downfall.
- Movies sometimes depict the use of birdlime in comedic ways, highlighting the absurdity of using such traps for capture.
Origin of 'birdlime'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'birdlime' comes from the Old English 'bird' meaning a winged creature, and 'lime' derived from the Latin word 'limus', meaning mud or slime.
- Historically, lime was made from the inner bark of certain trees, making it a natural substance for trapping.
- The use of the word has been documented in English literature as far back as the 14th century.
The term 'birdlime' dates back to the Middle English period, derived from 'bird' and the Old English 'lim', meaning 'glue' or 'sticky substance'. The use of birdlime for trapping dates back centuries, with references found in ancient texts, indicating its importance in hunting and food procurement. It was widely used in cultures around the world for capturing birds, particularly in Europe and Asia. Birdlime was traditionally made from the sap of specific trees, such as the holly or mistletoe, which provided an effective adhesive property. Over time, as hunting regulations tightened and ethical considerations grew, the use of birdlime has significantly declined, shifting towards more humane trapping methods.