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Glite Dictionary
Birdcatcher

Birdcatcher

9.9
A famous 19th-century Irish racehorse important to horse breeding
  • proper noun
: Birdcatcher
  • The stallion Birdcatcher was highly prized for his outstanding offspring.

Examples

  • Historians of horse racing often mention Birdcatcher as a key figure in breeding.

  • Did you know that Birdcatcher was a major influence in horse breeding?

  • Many modern racehorses can trace their lineage back to Birdcatcher.

  • The legendary stallion Birdcatcher won many races in his prime.

  • Many modern racehorses can trace their lineage back to Birdcatcher.

  • The stallion Birdcatcher was highly prized for his outstanding offspring.

  • Historians of horse racing often mention Birdcatcher as a key figure in breeding.

Surface Forms

Birdcatcher main

Morphology

Birdcatcher = bird + catcher (semi-transparent) = bird + catch + er

The compound is transparently built from 'bird' + 'catcher', but as a proper name for a horse the referential meaning is idiosyncratic rather than a literal agent.

Etymology

Birdcatcher comes from two simple English words, bird and catcher, meaning 'one who catches birds'. The famous 19th-century Irish stallion was given this lively name to suggest speed and agility, and that is why breeders remember Birdcatcher as a horse who passed on fast, agile qualities.