Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Goldfinch \Gold"finch`\, n. [AS. goldfinc. See {Gold}, and
   {Finch}.] (Zo["o]l.)
   (a) A beautiful bright-colored European finch ({Carduelis
       elegans}). The name refers to the large patch of yellow
       on the wings. The front of the head and throat are bright
       red; the nape, with part of the wings and tail, black; --
       called also {goldspink}, {goldie}, {fool's coat},
       {drawbird}, {draw-water}, {thistle finch}, and {sweet
       William}.
   (b) The yellow-hammer.
   (c) A small American finch ({Spinus tristis}); the thistle
       bird.

   Note: The name is also applied to other yellow finches, esp.
         to several additional American species of {Spinus}.