Cardinal bird, or Cardinal grosbeak (Zo÷l.), an American song bird (Cardinalis cardinalis, or C. Virginianus), of the family FringillidŠ, or finches having a bright red plumage, and a high, pointed crest on its head. The males have loud and musical notes resembling those of a fife. Other related species are also called cardinal birds. -- Cardinal flower (Bot.), an herbaceous plant (Lobelia cardinalis) bearing brilliant red flowers of much beauty. -- Cardinal red, a color like that of a cardinal's cassock, hat, etc.; a bright red, darker than scarlet, and between scarlet and crimson.
Car"di*nal*ate (?), n. [Cf. F. cardinalat, LL. cardinalatus.] The office, rank, or dignity of a cardinal.
Car"di*nal*ize (?), v. t. To exalt to the office of a cardinal. Sheldon.