birdlime
Sticky bird snare
Birdlime is a sticky substance spread on branches to trap small birds.
Traditionally made from holly bark or mistletoe berries, it catches birds by their feet when they land.
The practice is now illegal in most countries.
Figuratively, birdlime suggests anything that ensnares: caught in the birdlime of debt.
Apt to adhere
- tackyVulgar or slightly sticky
- glueyTending to stick
- viscousThick and slow-flowing
- gummySticky and soft
resinous · sap · mucilage · cohesive · tenacious · clingy · thick · gelatinous
Forbidden by statute
- poachingUnlawful wildlife capture
- crueltyDeliberate harm-causing disposition
- inhumaneCallously causing suffering
- banOfficial restriction on something
wildlife · conservation · animal rights · protected · endangered · legislation · regulation · enforcement
Very old indeed
- medievalOf the Middle Ages
- falconryTraining raptors to hunt
- countrysideRural area beyond towns
- ruralOf the countryside
folk · peasant · subsistence · practice · custom · historical · artisan · craft
snare
Device for catching prey
lure · decoy · twig · perch · capture · poacher · quarry · songbird · net · immobilize
sticky
Apt to adhere
gummy · resinous · sap · mucilage · cohesive · tenacious · clingy · thick · gelatinous · paste
illegal
Forbidden by statute
- poachingUnlawful wildlife capture
- crueltyDeliberate harm-causing disposition
- inhumaneCallously causing suffering
ban · wildlife · conservation · animal rights · protected · endangered · legislation · regulation · enforcement · Mediterranean
ancient
Very old indeed
- medievalOf the Middle Ages
- falconryTraining raptors to hunt
- countrysideRural area beyond towns
rural · folk · peasant · subsistence · practice · custom · historical · artisan · craft · fowler
birdlimelubricant
Friction-reducing substance
release agent · oil · grease · Teflon · non-stick coating
birdlimeliberator
One who frees others
solvent · release agent · freedom · escape