Dictionary

bishy barnabee en · NOUN

Etymology

Thought to be from Bishop Barnaby.

Meanings

1. (Norfolk, UK, archaic, dialectal) A ladybird.
   • “Bishies...bishy barnabees, them's called hereabouts. Some say the name is ladybird, but them's more likely to be eaten by a bird.” 2010, Clodagh Chapman, Very Curious and Capricious Agent, page 14:
   • On finding a ladybird, a girl would place it on the back of her hand and gently blow it away after reciting the rhyme: Bishy, bishy Barnabee Tell me when my wedding will be, […] 2009, Sylvia Kent, Folklore of Essex:

Forms