Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Jay?

\Jay\, n. [F. geai, OF. gai, jaj, perh. fr. OHG. g[=a]hi. Cf. {Gay}.] (Zo["o]l.) Any one of the numerous species of birds belonging to {Garrulus}, {Cyanocitta}, and allied genera. They are allied to the crows, but are smaller, more graceful in form, often handsomely colored, and usually have a crest. Note: The European jay ({Garrulus glandarius}) is a large and handsomely colored species, having the body pale reddish brown, lighter beneath; tail and wing quills blackish; the primary coverts barred with bright blue and black; throat, tail coverts, and a large spot on the wings, white. Called also {jay pie}, {Jenny jay}, and {k[ae]}. The common blue jay ({Cyanocitta cristata}.), and the related species, are brilliantly colored, and have a large erectile crest. The California jay ({Aphelocoma Californica}), the Florida jay ({A. Floridana}), and the green jay ({Xanthoura luxuosa}), of Texas and Mexico, are large, handsome, crested species. The Canada jay ({Perisoreus Canadensis}), and several allied species, are much plainer and have no crest. See {Blue jay}, and {Whisky jack}. {Jay thrush} (Zo["o]l.), any one several species of Asiatic singing birds, of the genera {Garrulax}, {Grammatoptila}, and related genera of the family {Crateropodid[ae]}; as, the white-throated jay thrush ({G. albogularis}), of India.