BITTERN Bit"tern, n. Etym: [OE. bitoure, betore, bitter, fr. F. butor; of unknown origin.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A wading bird of the genus Botaurus, allied to the herons, of various species.
Note: 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.
Note: The name is applied to other related birds, as the least bittern (Ardetta exilis), and the sun bittern.
BITTERN
Bit"tern, n. Etym: [From Bitter, a.]
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.
BITTERNESS
Bit"ter*ness, n. Etym: [AS. biternys; biter better + -nys = -ness.]
1. The quality or state of being bitter, sharp, or acrid, in either a literal or figurative sense; implacableness; resentfulness; severity; keenness of reproach or sarcasm; deep distress, grief, or vexation of mind. The lip that curls with bitterness. Percival. I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. Job vii. 11.
2. A state of extreme impiety or enmity to God. Thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Acts viii. 23.