[f. as prec. + FINCH; cf. G. distelfink, OHG. distilvinko, Du. distelvink.] Any one of several species of finches that feed on the seeds of the thistle; spec. the goldfinch, Carduelis elegans.
1589. Fleming, Virg. Georg., III. 48. The singing thistle-finch.
1678. Ray, Willughby’s Ornith., 256. The Goldfinch, or Thistle-finch.
1736. Ainsworth, Lat. Dict., III. s.v. Aēdon, She is feigned to have died for grief, and to be turned into a linnet, or thistlefinch.
1851. Broderip, Leaves fr. Note Bk. Nat. (1852), 230. The goldfinch or thistlefinch passes much of its time among flowers.
