stake-driver

2 definitions found

stake-driver - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Stake-driver \Stake"-driv`er\ (-dr[imac]v`[~e]r), n. (Zool.)
     The common American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus); -- so
     called because one of its notes resembles the sound made in
     driving a stake into the mud. Called also meadow hen, and
     Indian hen.
     [1913 Webster]

  Bittern \Bit"tern\, n. [OE. bitoure, betore, bitter, fr. F.
     butor; of unknown origin.] (Zool.)
     A wading bird of the genus Botaurus, allied to the herons,
     of various species.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     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 Botaurus lentiginosus, and is also called
           stake-driver and meadow hen. See Stake-driver.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The name is applied to other related birds, as the
           least bittern (Ardetta exilis), and the sun bittern
           .
           [1913 Webster]