ˈlinə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French linette, from lin flax (from Latin linum ) + -ette; from the fact that it likes to feed on flaxseed — more at linen
1. : a common small Old World finch ( Carduelis cannabina or Acanthis cannabina ) having plumage that varies greatly according to age, sex, and season and is sometimes pied or nearly white
2. : any of various finches (as of the genera Spinus and Chloris ) that are closely related to the common linnet — usually used in combination
green linnet
pine linnet
3. chiefly West : house finch