a. Having warm blood; spec. of mammals and birds, which have a uniform high temperature.
1793. T. Beddoes, Lett. Darwin, 68. At a temperature considerably below that of warm-blooded animals.
1839. T. Beale, Nat. Hist. Sperm Whale, 41. All the cetacea, as is well known, are warm-blooded animals.
1889. G. Allen, Falling in Love, etc., 80. Even among warm-blooded animals like the bears and dormice, hibernation occurs.
b. fig. Ardent, fervent, passionate.
1831. Scott, Cast. Dang., v. Strict discipline,… since the death of that great monarch, had been considerably neglected by the young and warm-blooded valour of England.
