I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: Middle English birdlim, bridlim, from bird, brid bird + lim lime — more at bird , lime
1. : an extremely adhesive sticky substance usually made from the bark of the holly ( Ilex aquifolium ) but also from other plants (as the European mistletoe or the breadfruit) and used especially formerly to entrap small birds by smearing twigs where they are accustomed to perch
2. : something that entraps or ensnares
a birdlime of words
3. : cleavers
II. transitive verb
: to smear with or as if with birdlime : catch with birdlime : ensnare