The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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   2. In a direction toward the north; as, to steer a northern
      course; coming from the north; as, a northern wind.
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   Northern diver. (Zool.) See Loon.

   Northern lights. See Aurora borealis, under Aurora.

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