Definition of Bernicle
1. n. A bernicle goose.
Definition of Bernicle
1. a wild goose [n -S]
Medical Definition of Bernicle
1.
A bernicle goose.
Alternative forms: barnacle] Bernicle goose, a goose (Branta leucopsis), of Arctic Europe and America. It was formerly believed that it hatched from the cirripeds of the sea (Lepas), which were, therefore, called barnacles, goose barnacles, or Anatifers. The name is also applied to other related species. See Anatifa and Cirripedia.
Origin: OE. Bernak, bernacle; cf. OF. Bernac; prob. Fr. LL. Bernacula for hibernicula, bernicula, fr. Hibernia; the birds coming from Hibernia or Ireland. Cf. 1st Barnacle.
Source: Websters Dictionary
(01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Bernicle
Literary usage of Bernicle
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Illustrations of British Ornithology by Prideaux John Selby (1833)
"Legs and toes reddish-orange. Claws white. bernicle GOOSE, OR ... EUS, in describing
the true bernicle as the male of ..."
Other Resources:
