Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Northern \North"ern\, a. [AS. nor[eth]erne.]
   1. Of or pertaining to the north; being in the north, or
      nearer to that point than to the east or west.

   2. In a direction toward the north; as, to steer a northern
      course; coming from the north; as, a northern wind.

   {Northern diver}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Loon}.

   {Northern lights}. See {Aurora borealis}, under {Aurora}.

   {Northern spy} (Bot.), an excellent American apple, of a
      yellowish color, marked with red.

Source : WordNet®

Northern Spy
     n : large late-ripening apple with skin striped with yellow and
         red