graylag

or grey·lag

[ grey-lag ]

noun

1. a common, gray, wild goose, Anser anser, of Europe, that is the ancestor of most breeds of domestic goose.

Word History and Origins

Origin of graylag¹

1705–15; gray ¹ + lag ¹ (with reference to its habit of remaining longer in England before migrating than other species of the genus)

Example Sentences

The mallard and the graylag goose are the ancestors of our domestic ducks and geese.

From Project Gutenberg