crossbill

English

/ˈkɹɒsbɪl/

noun
Definitions
  • Any of various finches of the genus Loxia, whose bill crosses over at the tips; they are specialist feeders on conifer cones.
  • (legal) A bill brought by a defendant, in an equity or chancery suit, against the plaintiff, respecting the matter in question in that suit.

Etymology

Compound from English cross (grumpy) + English bill (note of charges for goods, the point of beyond the fluke, sheet of paper, cutting instrument, list).

Origin

English

bill

Gloss

note of charges for goods, the point of beyond the fluke, sheet of paper, cutting instrument, list

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms