dial. [A metathetic form of STARLING1. Not from OE. stearn some bird, perh. the starling (gl. beacita, sturnus).] A starling.

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a. 1800.  Pegge, Suppl. Grose, Starnel, a starling. North.

2

1856.  P. Thompson, Hist. Boston, 725.

3

1888.  Fenn, Dick o’ the Fens, 158. Look at the starnels sattling down on the reeds.

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