Magpie
['mægpaɪ]
Definition
(noun.) long-tailed black-and-white crow that utters a raucous chattering call.
(noun.) someone who collects things that have been discarded by others.
Checked by Helena--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) Any one of numerous species of the genus Pica and related genera, allied to the jays, but having a long graduated tail.
Checked by Barlow
Definition
n. a chattering bird of a genus allied to the crow with pied or coloured feathers: (slang) a halfpenny—(Shak.) Mag′ot-pie Magg′ot-pie.
Typist: Ted
Unserious Contents or Definition
To dream of a magpie, denotes much dissatisfaction and quarrels. The dreamer should guard well his conduct and speech after this dream.
Editor: Quentin
Unserious Contents or Definition
n. A bird whose thievish disposition suggested to someone that it might be taught to talk.
Editor: Ricky
Examples
- If you just go to the Magpie and Stump, and ask at the bar for Mr. Lowten, they'll show you in to him, and he's Mr. Perker's clerk. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- I suppose so,' returned Bella; 'I look in the glass often enough, and I chatter like a Magpie. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- He might as well have provided them for a squirrel or a magpie. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- He was a chatterer, a magpie, a maker of mischievous word-jokes, that were sometimes very clever, but which often were not. D. H. Lawrence. Women in Love .
- I'm at low-water-mark myself--only one bob and a magpie; but, as far as it goes, I'll fork out and stump. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- You are to understand, said Mr. Bucket, that this gentleman he come into Krook's property, and a good deal of magpie property there was. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- He was own brother to a brimstone magpie--leastways Mrs. Smallweed. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- So, to the Three Magpies as before: where Mrs Boffin and Miss Bella were handed out, and whence they all went on foot to Mrs Betty Higden's. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
Checker: Nanette