Stake-driver

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]