bittern Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun relatively small compact tawny-brown heron with nocturnal habits and a booming cry; found in marshes

WordNet

Bit"tern noun
Etymology
OE. bitoure, betore, bitter, fr. F. butor; of unknown origin.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) A wading bird of the genus Botaurus, allied to the herons, of various species. ✍ The common European bittern is Botaurus stellaris. It makes, during the brooding season, a noise called by Dryden bumping, and by Goldsmith booming. The American bittern is B. lentiginosus, and is also called stake-driver and meadow hen. See Stake-driver. The name is applied to other related birds, as the least bittern (Ardetta exilis), and the sun bittern.
Bit"tern noun
Etymology
From Bitter, a.
Definitions
  1. The brine which remains in salt works after the salt is concreted, having a bitter taste from the chloride of magnesium which it contains.
  2. A very bitter compound of quassia, cocculus Indicus, etc., used by fraudulent brewers in adulterating beer. Cooley.

Webster 1913