pedigree
PED-ih-gree
/ˈpɛdɪɡriː/
A recorded ancestral line or official genealogical table of an animal.
Refers specifically to written or documented genealogical records showing pure line descent.
The story behind the word. The word comes from Middle French 'pie de grue', meaning 'foot of a crane'. This referred to the three-pronged lines used in medieval genealogical charts that resembled a crane's footmark.
Word relationships
- genealogy: Genealogy usually applies to human family histories, whereas pedigree often applies to animals or nobility.
- lineage: Lineage refers to the actual unbroken chain of ancestors, whereas pedigree emphasizes the recorded document or proof.
- unknown origin: Indicates a lack of recorded or verifiable ancestry.
Commonly confused with
- purebred: Purebred describes genetic state, while pedigree refers to documented ancestral proof.
Word family
- pedigreed (adjective): Having a recorded pedigree or distinguished lineage.
Collocations
- impeccable pedigree
- pedigree record
- pedigree dog
Example sentences
- "The dog's pedigree was registered with the official national kennel club." Dog show registration
- "He examined the pedigree of the prized hunting hound before making an offer." Historical literature
Memory hook
Picture a bird's footprint drawing a branching family tree on paper. Crane's foot marks the family tree.
When not to use
Do not use to describe informal family anecdotes without documented records.
Fun facts
- Medieval clerks drew three-pronged fork marks on manuscript charts that looked like crane tracks.
Explore more words
lineage, dynasty, hereditary, prestige, ancestor, consanguinity
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