Gold"finch` (?), n. [AS. goldfinc. See Gold, and Finch.] Zool. (a)
A beautiful bright-colored European finch (Carduelis elegans). The name refers to the large patch of yellow on the wings. The front of the head and throat are bright red; the nape, with part of the wings and tail, black; -- called also goldspink, goldie, fool's coat, drawbird, draw-water, thistle finch, and sweet William.
(b)
The yellow-hammer.
(c)
A small American finch (Spinus tristis); the thistle bird.
⇒ The name is also applied to other yellow finches, esp. to several additional American species of Spinus.
© Webster 1913.