Ploceidæ (ploseide)

pl. [NL., ver-finches. They are a large and diversified family, many of them resembling finches or buntings, but always distinguished from Fringillidæ by the presence of ten instead of nine primaries. They are specially characteristic of the Ethiopian region, where more than three fourths of the species occur, but also extend into the Oriental and Australian regions. The weavers are named and noted for the construction of their nests, in some cases of immense size, in others highly artificial. (See cuts under hive nest and Ploceus.) About 250 species are recognized, referred to some 60 genera, divided into 3 subfamilies, Ploce inæ, Viduinæ, and Sperm est inæ. Many of the last-named are common cage-birds, as amadavats, strawberry-finches, and the like. ploceiform (plō'sē-i-fôrm), a. [ ceidæ. Ploceinæ (plō-se-i'nē), 5-se-i'nē), n. pl. [NL., weave: see plait.] The typical genus of Ploccidæ, for merly of great extent, now restricted to the Indian and Ori bay a ental birds, as P. phi lippinus, P. ben galensis, and others. plod1t (plod), n. [ IMG:content-0439.jpg:[blocks in formation] plod2 (plod), v .; pret. and pp. plodded , ppr. plodding . [ plodden (found only in deriv. plodder ); prob. orig. splash through water and mud; plod1 , n . Cf. plodge , and plout1 , plouter , plotter2 , plowder , of like sense.] I. in trans. 1. To trudge; travel or work slowly and perseveringly; go on in any pursuit with steady, laborious diligence. Why, universal plodding poisons up The nimble spirits in the arteries. Shak., L. L. L., iv. 3. 305. I'le take my blew blade all in my hand, And plod to the green-wood with thee. Jolly Pinder of Wake field (Child's Ballads, V. 206). She reason'd without plodding long, Nor ever gave her judgement wrong. Swift, Cadenus and Vane a. I, with my fate contented, will plod on, And hope for higher raptures when life's day is done. Words worth, Skylark. 2. To lag behind or puzzle upon the scent: said of hounds. =Syn. 1. To trudge, jog. II. trans. To go or walk over in a heavy, laboring manner; accomplish by heavy, toilsome walking or exertion. If one of mean affairs May plod it in a week, why may not I Glide thither in a day? Shak ., Cymbeline, iii. 2. 53. Gray, Elegy. The plowman homeward plods his weary way.