Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tame parrot: A parrot that is domesticated, trained, or kept as a pet, often noted for its ability to mimic human speech.

Usage

• The term "poll parrot" is an archaic or dialectal variant of the more common modern term "poll parrot" or simply "parrot" when referring to a tame, talking bird. It is used to specifically denote a parrot that is not wild but is accustomed to human company.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The old sailor's only companion was a garrulous poll parrot. (The old sailor's only companion was a talkative tame parrot.)
  • She taught her poll parrot to greet visitors. (She taught her tame parrot to greet visitors.)

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be used figuratively to describe a person who repeats words or ideas without understanding them, much like the bird's mimicry. However, this figurative sense is more commonly associated with the word "parrot" itself.
  • He was no original thinker, just a poll parrot of the party's slogans. (He was no original thinker, just a mindless repeater of the party's slogans.)

Variants and Related Words

• Parrot (n): The standard modern term for birds of the family Psittacidae, especially those known for bright colors and mimicry. A "tame parrot" is equivalent to a "poll parrot."
• Poll (n, archaic): An old term for the head, especially the top or crown, or for a person or individual. In "poll parrot," it may relate to the bird's head or be a corruption of "Polly," a common name for parrots.

Synonyms

• Tame parrot: A domesticated parrot.
• Pet parrot: A parrot kept as a companion animal.
• Mimic bird: A bird that imitates sounds (though this is a broader category).

Related Phrases

• To parrot (v): To repeat or imitate someone's words or actions mechanically.
  • The student could only parrot the textbook answers. (The student could only repeat the textbook answers without understanding.)

Related Idioms

• Sick as a parrot: (Chiefly British, informal) Extremely disappointed or upset.
  • He was sick as a parrot after his team lost the final. (He was extremely disappointed after his team lost the final.) Note: This idiom uses "parrot," not specifically "poll parrot."

Noun

1. a tame parrot