from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]