GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Blackbird , n. (Zool.) In England, a species of thrush (Turdus merula), a singing bird with a fin note; the merle. In America the name is given to several birds, as the Quiscalus versicolor, or crow blackbird; the Agelæus phœniceus, or red-winged blackbird; the cowbird; the rusty grackle, etc. See Redwing.
   1913 Webster
         
       

2.       
   Blackbird, n.
   Among slavers and pirates, a negro or Polynesian. [Cant, pejorative]
   Webster 1913 Suppl.
   A native of any of the islands near Queensland; -- called also Kanaka. [Australia, pejorative]
   Webster 1913 Suppl.
         
       

3.       
   Blackbird , v. i. to engage in the slave trade. [Colloq.]
   PJC