Spär'rōw, n.

noun

n. [O. Eng. sparwe, A-S. spearwa, speara, Goth. sparwa, M. H. Ger. sparwe, Dan. spurv, sparre, Sw. sparf, Icel. spör, O. H. Ger. sparo, O. & Prov. Ger. spar, N. H. Ger. sperling.] (Ornith.) One of several species of small passerine birds, having conical bills, and feeding on insects and seeds. The common sparrow, or house-sparrow of Europe (Passer [or Fringilla] domestica), is noted for its familiarity, its attachment to its young, its voracity, and its fecundity. He that doth the ravens feed, Yea, providently caters for the sparrow, Be comfort to my age! Shak.

An engraved illustration of a sparrow perched on a branch. — Sparrow.