\Lin"net\ (l[i^]n"n[e^]t), n. [F. linot, linotte, from L.
linum flax; or perh. shortened from AS. l[=i]netwige, fr. AS.
l[=i]n flax; -- so called because it feeds on the seeds of
flax and hemp. See {Linen}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of fringilline birds of the genera
{Linota}, {Acanthis}, and allied genera, esp. the common
European species ({L. cannabina}), which, in full summer
plumage, is chestnut brown above, with the breast more or
less crimson. The feathers of its head are grayish brown,
tipped with crimson. Called also {gray linnet}, {red linnet},
{rose linnet}, {brown linnet}, {lintie}, {lintwhite}, {gorse
thatcher}, {linnet finch}, and {greater redpoll}. The
American redpoll linnet ({Acanthis linaria}) often has the
crown and throat rosy. See {Redpoll}, and {Twite}.
{Green linnet} (Zo["o]l.), the European green finch.