Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Wren?

\Wren\ (r[e^]n), n. [OE. wrenne, AS. wrenna, wr[ae]nna, perhaps akin to wr[=ae]ne lascivious.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small singing birds belonging to {Troglodytes} and numerous allied of the family {Troglodytid[ae]}. Note: Among the species best known are the house wren ({Troglodytes a["e]don}) common in both Europe and America, and the American winter wren ({T. hiemalis}). See also {Cactus wren}, {Marsh wren}, and {Rock wren}, under {Cactus}, {Marsh}, and {Rock}. 2. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small singing birds more or less resembling the true wrens in size and habits. Note: Among these are several species of European warblers; as, the reed wren (see {Reed warbler} (a), under {Reed}), the sedge wren (see {Sedge warbler}, under {Sedge}), the willow wren (see {Willow warbler}, under {Willow}), the golden-crested wren, and the ruby-crowned wren (see {Kinglet}). {Ant wren}, any one of numerous South American birds of the family {Formicarid[ae]}, allied to the ant thrushes. {Blue wren}, a small Australian singing bird ({Malurus cyaneus}), the male of which in the breeding season is bright blue. Called also {superb warbler}. {Emu wren}. See in the Vocabulary. {Wren babbler}, any one of numerous species of small timaline birds belonging to {Alcippe}, {Stachyris}, {Timalia}, and several allied genera. These birds are common in Southern Asia and the East Indies. {Wren tit}. See {Ground wren}, under {Ground}. {Wren warbler}, any one of several species of small Asiatic and African singing birds belonging to {Prinia} and allied genera. These birds are closely allied to the tailor birds, and build their nests in a similar manner. See also {Pincpinc}.