Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Canary?

\Ca*na"ry\, a. [F. Canarie, L. Canaria insula one of the Canary islands, said to be so called from its large dogs, fr. canis dog.] 1. Of or pertaining to the Canary Islands; as, canary wine; canary birds. 2. Of a pale yellowish color; as, Canary stone. {Canary grass}, a grass of the genus {Phalaris} ({P. Canariensis}), producing the seed used as food for canary birds. {Canary stone} (Min.), a yellow species of carnelian, named from its resemblance in color to the plumage of the canary bird. {Canary wood}, the beautiful wood of the trees {Persea Indica} and {P. Canariensis}, natives of Madeira and the Canary Islands. {Canary vine}. See {Canary bird flower}, under {Canary bird}.
\Ca*na"ry\, n.; pl. {Canaries}. 1. Wine made in the Canary Islands; sack. ``A cup of canary.'' --Shak. 2. A canary bird. 3. A pale yellow color, like that of a canary bird. 4. A quick and lively dance. [Obs.] Make you dance canary With sprightly fire and motion. --Shak.
\Ca*na"ry\, v. i. To perform the canary dance; to move nimbly; to caper. [Obs.] But to jig of a tune at the tongue's end, canary to it with your feet. --Shak.