Glime

/ɡlaɪm/ noun

Definition

Birdlime or another sticky substance used to trap birds; alternatively, any sticky or adhesive substance (archaic).

Etymology

From Old English 'glim' or related to 'glue,' ultimately from Latin 'glus.' Birdlime was a common tool in historical bird-catching and appears in literature and folk tradition.

Kelly Says

Glime as birdlime is why the phrase 'caught like a bird in lime' appears in Shakespeare—it's a visceral image of being stuck that was immediately understood because everyone knew how sticky glime actually was.

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