Definition: mavis

Source: WordNet (r) 1.7

mavis
     n : common Old World thrush noted for its song [syn: song
         thrush, throstle, Turdus philomelos]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Song \Song\ (?; 115), n. [AS. song, sang, fr. singan to sing;
   akin to D. zang, G. sang, Icel. s["o]ngr, Goeth. sagws. See
   Sing.]
   1. That which is sung or uttered with musical modulations of
      the voice, whether of a human being or of a bird, insect,
      etc. ``That most ethereal of all sounds, the song of
      crickets.'' --Hawthorne.

   2. A lyrical poem adapted to vocal music; a ballad.

   3. More generally, any poetical strain; a poem.

            The bard that first adorned our native tongue Tuned
            to his British lyre this ancient song. --Dryden.

   4. Poetical composition; poetry; verse.

            This subject for heroic song.         --Milton.

   5. An object of derision; a laughingstock.

            And now am I their song. yea, I am their byword.
                                                  --Job xxx. 9.

   6. A trifle. ``The soldier's pay is a song.'' --Silliman.

   Old song, a trifle; nothing of value. ``I do not intend to
      be thus put off with an old song.'' --Dr. H. More.

   Song bird (Zo["o]l.), any singing bird; one of the Oscines.
      

   Song sparrow (Zo["o]l.), a very common North American
      sparrow (Melospiza fasciata, or M. melodia) noted for
      the sweetness of its song in early spring. Its breast is
      covered with dusky brown streaks which form a blotch in
      the center.

   Song thrush (Zo["o]l.), a common European thrush (Turdus
      musicus), noted for its melodius song; -- called also
      mavis, throsite, and thrasher.

   Syn: Sonnet; ballad; canticle; carol; canzonet; ditty; hymn;
        descant; lay; strain; poesy; verse.

Mavis \Ma"vis\ (m[=a]"v[i^]s), n. [F. mauvis, Arm. milvid,
   milfid, milc'hhouid, Corn. melhuez.] (Zo["o]l.)
   The European throstle or song thrush (Turdus musicus).