sedge

2 definitions found

sedge - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Sedge \Sedge\, n. [OE. segge, AS. secg; akin to LG. segge; --
     probably named from its bladelike appearance, and akin to L.
     secare to cut, E. saw a cutting instrument; cf. Ir. seisg, W.
     hesg. Cf. Hassock, Saw the instrument.]
     1. (Bot.) Any plant of the genus Carex, perennial,
        endogenous, innutritious herbs, often growing in dense
        tufts in marshy places. They have triangular jointless
        stems, a spiked inflorescence, and long grasslike leaves
        which are usually rough on the margins and midrib. There
        are several hundred species.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The name is sometimes given to any other plant of the
           order Cyperaceae, which includes Carex, Cyperus,
           Scirpus, and many other genera of rushlike plants.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zool.) A flock of herons.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Sedge hen (Zool.), the clapper rail. See under 5th Rail.
        
  
     Sedge warbler (Zool.), a small European singing bird
        (Acrocephalus phragmitis). It often builds its nest
        among reeds; -- called also sedge bird, sedge wren,
        night warbler, and Scotch nightingale.
        [1913 Webster]

sedge - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  sedge
      n 1: grasslike or rushlike plant growing in wet places having
           solid stems, narrow grasslike leaves and spikelets of
           inconspicuous flowers