I. ˈbəntiŋ, -tēŋ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English buntynge
1. : any of various stout-billed birds of Emberiza and related genera usually included in the finch family (Fringillidae) and distinguished from typical finches by their more angular gape and often by a bony knob on the palate — see indigo bunting , reed bunting
2.
a. : cowbird
b. : bobolink
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: perhaps from gerund of English dialect bunt to sift (meal), from Middle English bonten
1.
a. : a lightweight loosely woven fabric of plain weave used chiefly for flags and festive decorations and draperies
b. : flags
2. : festive decorations made of bunting or sometimes of paper ; especially : such decorations in the colors of the national flag or the national coat of arms for patriotic occasions
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: bunting (term of endearment in the nursery rhyme “Bye, baby bunting”), perhaps alteration of bunny (II)
1. : a thickly napped fabric of natural or synthetic fiber used especially for infant wear
2. : an outdoor garment for infants consisting of a large envelope with attached hood