birdlime

Bird"lime`, n. Etym: [Bird + lime viscous substance.] Defn: An extremely adhesive viscid substance, usually made of the middle bark of the holly, by boiling, fermenting, and cleansing it. When a twig is smeared with this substance it will hold small birds which may light upon it. Hence: Anything which insnares. Not birdlime or Idean pitch produce A more tenacious mass of clammy juice. Dryden. Note: Birdlime is also made from mistletoe, elder, etc. Bird"lime`, v. t. T Defn: o smear with birdlime; to catch with birdlime; to insnare. When the heart is thus birdlimed, then it cleaves to everything it meets with. Coodwin.

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