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yardbird. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
yardbird, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
yardbird in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
yardbird you have here. The definition of the word
yardbird will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
yardbird, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
From yard + bird. Attested since 1956 in the sense of ‘convict,’ derived from the idea of prison yards. During World War II, it meant ‘basic trainee’ among the armed forces.
Pronunciation
Noun
yardbird (plural yardbirds)
- (chiefly US, slang) A chicken.
- (chiefly US, slang) A person who is imprisoned.
1985, John P. Conrad, “Charting a Course for Imprisonment Policy,”, in Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, volume 478, page 126:The working convict is a rare exception, sometimes envied because his time is occupied, sometimes derided for his deviance from the yardbird norm.
- (chiefly US, slang) A soldier who is required to perform menial work on the grounds of a military base.
1943 July 5, “In the Rough”, in Time:As the Marines expanded to war strength, Lou Diamond was the ideal liaison between crusty old-timers and impressionable recruits. He taught quick action by threats of yardbird detail.
Translations
soldier required to do menial work
References