Hill tit

Shrike \Shrike\, n. [Akin to Icel. skr[imac]kja a shrieker, the
   shrike, and E. shriek; cf. AS. scr[imac]c a thrush. See
   {Shriek}, v. i.] (Zool.)
   Any one of numerous species of oscinine birds of the family
   {Laniidae}, having a strong hooked bill, toothed at the tip.
   Most shrikes are insectivorous, but the common European gray
   shrike ({Lanius excubitor}), the great northern shrike
   ({Lanius borealis}), and several others, kill mice, small
   birds, etc., and often impale them on thorns, and are, on
   that account called also {butcher birds}. See under
   {Butcher}.
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   Note: The ant shrikes, or bush shrikes, are clamatorial birds
         of the family {Formicaridae}. The cuckoo shrikes of the
         East Indies and Australia are Oscines of the family
         {Campephagidae}. The drongo shrikes of the same regions
         belong to the related family {Dicruridae}. See
         {Drongo}.
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   {Crow shrike}. See under {Crow}.

   {Shrike thrush}.
   (a) Any one of several species of Asiatic timaline birds of
       the genera {Thamnocataphus}, {Gampsorhynchus}, and
       allies.
   (b) Any one of several species of shrikelike Australian
       singing birds of the genus {Colluricincla}.

   {Shrike tit}.
   (a) Any one of several Australian birds of the genus
       {Falcunculus}, having a strong toothed bill and sharp
       claws. They creep over the bark of trees, like titmice,
       in search of insects.
   (b) Any one of several species of small Asiatic birds
       belonging to {Allotrius}, {Pteruthius}, {Cutia},
       {Leioptila}, and allied genera, related to the true tits.
       Called also {hill tit}.

   {Swallow shrike}. See under {Swallow}.
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Tit \Tit\, n.
   1. A small horse. --Tusser.
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   2. A woman; -- used in contempt. --Burton.
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   3. A morsel; a bit. --Halliwell.
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   4. [OE.; cf. Icel. titter a tit or small bird. The word
      probably meant originally, something small, and is perhaps
      the same as teat. Cf. {Titmouse}, {Tittle}.] (Zool.)
      (a) Any one of numerous species of small singing birds
          belonging to the families {Paridae} and
          {Leiotrichidae}; a titmouse.
      (b) The European meadow pipit; a titlark.
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   {Ground tit}. (Zool.) See {Wren tit}, under {Wren}.

   {Hill tit} (Zool.), any one of numerous species of Asiatic
      singing birds belonging to {Siva}, {Milna}, and allied
      genera.

   {Tit babbler} (Zool.), any one of several species of small
      East Indian and Asiatic timaline birds of the genus
      {Trichastoma}.

   {Tit for tat}. [Probably for tip for tap. See {Tip} a slight
      blow.] An equivalent; retaliation.

   {Tit thrush} (Zool.), any one of numerous species of Asiatic
      and East Indian birds belonging to {Suthora} and allied
      genera. In some respects they are intermediate between the
      thrushes and titmice.
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Hill \Hill\, n. [OE. hil, hul, AS. hyll; akin to OD. hille, hil,
   L. collis, and prob. to E. haulm, holm, and column. Cf. 2d
   {Holm}.]
   1. A natural elevation of land, or a mass of earth rising
      above the common level of the surrounding land; an
      eminence less than a mountain.
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            Every mountain and hill shall be made low. --Is. xl.
                                                  4.
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   2. The earth raised about the roots of a plant or cluster of
      plants. [U. S.] See {Hill}, v. t.
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   3. A single cluster or group of plants growing close
      together, and having the earth heaped up about them; as, a
      hill of corn or potatoes. [U. S.]
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   {Hill ant} (Zool.), a common ant ({Formica rufa}), of Europe
      and America, which makes mounds or ant-hills over its
      nests.

   {Hill myna} (Zool.), one of several species of birds of
      India, of the genus {Gracula}, and allied to the
      starlings. They are easily taught to speak many words.
      [Written also {hill mynah}.] See {Myna}.

   {Hill partridge} (Zool.), a partridge of the genus
      {Aborophila}, of which numerous species in habit Southern
      Asia and the East Indies.

   {Hill tit} (Zool.), one of numerous species of small Asiatic
      singing birds of the family {Leiotrichid[ae]}. Many are
      beautifully colored.
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