jay

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a noisy, often brightly colored bird of the crow family, typically with a crest

   A jay flew from the oak tree with an acorn in its beak.

2. 2
   noun

   any of several large, colorful swallowtail butterflies in the genus Graphium

   The butterfly guide identified the green-spotted insect as a jay.

From Middle English jay, from Old French jai, now geai. Its earlier source is uncertain: it may continue Late Latin gaius 'jay' or be connected with Old French gai 'bright, merry,' possibly referring to the bird's lively behavior or plumage.

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