avadavat means any of various estrildid finches of the genus Amandava, especially the red avadavat, Amandava amandava, of India and Southeast Asia, commonly kept and bred as a cagebird; also known as Java sparrow.
Etymology
Variant of earlier amadavat, from Ahmedabad, city in Gujarat, India, from which the bird was imported to Europe.
noun
- Any of various estrildid finches of the genus Amandava, especially the red avadavat, Amandava amandava, of India and Southeast Asia, commonly kept and bred as a cagebird; also known as Java sparrow.“SIR OLIVER. What!—has he never transmitted—you—Bullion—Rupees—Pagodas!
SURFACE. O Dear Sir—Nothing of the kind—no—no—a few Presents now and then—china, shawls, congo Tea, Avadavats—and indian Crackers—little more, believe me.”