salt-cat

A pigeon pecks at a salt-cat placed on the ground.

Definition

Noun: A mixture of salt, gravel, and sometimes urine, used as a lure to attract pigeons and prevent them from flying away.

Usage Examples

• (A salty mixture used to attract and retain pigeons.)
• (A lure made primarily of salt and small stones.)

Advanced Usage

• "to lay down salt-cat": to place a salt-cat mixture in a specific area to attract pigeons.

  • He laid down salt-cat near the coop every morning to ensure the birds returned. (He placed the salty lure to control the pigeons' location.)

• "salt-cat for doves": a variant used specifically for doves rather than pigeons.

  • The dovecote was equipped with a bowl of salt-cat to keep the doves from wandering. (A similar mixture adapted for doves.)

Variants and Related Words

• Salt-cat (n): the only common form; no direct variants.

Synonyms

• Pigeon bait: a general term for any substance used to attract pigeons.
• Salt lure: a specific type of bait based on salt.

Related Idioms

• To take the salt-cat: (archaic) to be lured or deceived by an attractive but simple means.
  • The young pigeons took the salt-cat and remained close to home. (The birds were lured by the salty mixture and did not fly away.)

Notes

• The word "salt-cat" is considered rare and archaic in modern English, primarily appearing in historical or specialized ornithological contexts. It is not used in everyday conversation.