Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Canary
Ca-na′ry
,Adj.
[F.
Canarie
, L. Canaria insula
one of the Canary islands, said to be so called from its large dogs, fr. canis
dog.] 1.
Of or pertaining to the Canary Islands;
as,
. canary
wine; canary
birds2.
Of a pale yellowish color;
as,
. Canary
stoneCanary grass
, a grass of the genus
– Phalaris
(Phalaris Canariensis
), producing the seed used as food for canary birds. Canary stone
(Min.)
, a yellow species of carnelian, named from its resemblance in color to the plumage of the canary bird.
– Canary wood
, the beautiful wood of the trees
– Persea Indica
and Persea Canariensis
, natives of Madeira and the Canary Islands. Canary vine
. See
Canary bird flower
, under Canary bird
.Ca-na′ry
,Noun.
pl.
Canaries
(#)
. 1.
Wine made in the Canary Islands; sack.
“A cup of canary.” Shak.
2.
A canary bird.
3.
A pale yellow color, like that of a canary bird.
4.
A quick and lively dance.
[Obs.]
Make you dance
With sprightly fire and motion.
canary
With sprightly fire and motion.
Shakespeare
Ca-na′ry
,Verb.
I.
To perform the canary dance; to move nimbly; to caper.
[Obs.]
But to jig of a tune at the tongue’s end,
canary
to it with your feet. Shakespeare
Webster 1828 Edition
Canary
CANARY
,Noun.
1.
Wine made in the Canary isles.2.
An old dance. Shakespeare has used the word as a verb in a kind of cant phrase.