pedigree

[ ped-i-gree ]

noun

1. an ancestral line; line of descent; lineage; ancestry.
2. a genealogical table, chart, list, or record, especially of a purebred animal.
3. distinguished, excellent, or pure ancestry.
4. derivation, origin, or history:

   the pedigree of a word.

pedigree

/ ˈpɛdɪˌɡriː /

noun

1. 1. the line of descent of a purebred animal
   2. ( as modifier )

      a pedigree bull

2. a document recording this
3. a genealogical table, esp one indicating pure ancestry
4. derivation or background

   the pedigree of an idea

Derived Forms

• ˈpediˌgreed, adjective

Other Words From

• pedi·greeless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pedigree¹

1375–1425; late Middle English pedegru, from Anglo-French, equivalent to Middle French pie de grue literally, “foot of crane,” a fanciful way of describing the appearance of the lines of a genealogical chart

Word History and Origins

Origin of pedigree¹

C15: from Old French pie de grue crane's foot, alluding to the spreading lines used in a genealogical chart

Synonym Study

Pedigree, genealogy refer to an account of ancestry. A pedigree is a table or chart recording a line of ancestors, either of persons or (more especially) of animals, as horses, cattle, and dogs; in the case of animals, such a table is used as proof of superior qualities: a detailed pedigree. A genealogy is an account of the descent of a person or family traced through a series of generations, usually from the first known ancestor: a genealogy that includes a king.

Example Sentences

Currently, pedigrees are how horse owners and breeders find out which stallions are in a horse's ancestry, which gives information on the traits a horse may have inherited.

From Science Daily

In Boulter and Raducanu, Britain have pedigree which ranks among the most substantial in the competition - particularly in their half of the draw.

From BBC

Cates, like Logan, brings both pedigree and gender diversity - but it remains to be seen if she could be tempted away from Sky.

From BBC

As a former footballer of considerable pedigree - including England captain and striker, with 48 goals in 80 appearances - he famously never received a red or yellow card during his career.

From BBC

Arsenal may have been flying in the league with 10 wins from 13, but they were facing an Inter side who had already beaten them and had far better European Cup pedigree.

From BBC

Related Words

• lineage