(n) :
any one of the numerous species of birds belonging to
Garrulus,
Cyanocitta, and allied
genera, allied to the
crows, but smaller, more graceful in form, often handsomely colored, and usually having a crest; an old-fashioned term for a dull or ignorant person. It survives today in the term
jaywalking
"note: The European jay (
Garrulus glandarius) is a large and handsomely colored species, having the body pale reddish brown, lighter beneath; tail and wing quills blackish; the primary coverts barred with bright blue and black"