*jay*

n. [ F. geai, OF. gai, jaj, perh. fr. OHG. gāhi. Cf. Gay. ] (Zool.) Any one of the numerous species of birds belonging to Garrulus, Cyanocitta, and allied genera of the family Corvidae. They are allied to the crows, but are smaller, more graceful in form, often handsomely colored, and usually have a crest. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The European jay (Garrulus glandarius) is a large and handsomely colored species, having the body pale reddish brown, lighter beneath; tail and wing quills blackish; the primary coverts barred with bright blue and black; throat, tail coverts, and a large spot on the wings, white. Called also jay pie, Jenny jay, and kæ. The common blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata.), and the related species, are brilliantly colored, and have a large erectile crest. The California jay (Aphelocoma Californica), the Florida jay (Aphelocoma Floridana), and the green jay (Xanthoura luxuosa), of Texas and Mexico, are large, handsome, crested species. The Canada jay (Perisoreus Canadensis), and several allied species, are much plainer and have no crest. See Blue jay, and Whisky jack. [ 1913 Webster ]

Jay thrush (Zool.), any one several species of Asiatic singing birds, of the genera Garrulax, Grammatoptila, and related genera of the family Crateropodidæ; as, the white-throated jay thrush (Garrulax albogularis) (also called the white-throated laughingthrush), of India. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Min.) See Jet. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A name given to a free-booting, unenlisted, armed man or guerrilla. [ A term of opprobrium used in the war of 1861-65, U. S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A popinjay. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]