barnacle goose

noun

1. a wild goose, Branta leucopsis, of northern Europe and Greenland.

barnacle goose

noun

1. a N European goose, Branta leucopsis , that has a black-and-white head and body and grey wings
2. See brent goose
   a former name for brent goose

Word History and Origins

Origin of barnacle goose¹

1760–70; earlier barnacle, Middle English bernacle; compare Middle French bernacle, New Latin bernacula, all derivative of earlier Middle English bernak, bernekke, Anglo-Latin bernaca, Old French bernaque, of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of barnacle goose¹

C13 bernekke , related to Late Latin bernaca , from the belief that the goose developed from a shellfish; ultimate origin obscure

Example Sentences

God becomes man becomes fish becomes barnacle goose becomes featherbed mountain.

From Project Gutenberg

This barnacle-goose tree was a great article of faith with our ancestors in the Middle Ages.

From Project Gutenberg

Nevertheless, in France, the Barnacle Goose may be eaten on fast-days by virtue of this old belief in its marine origin.

From Project Gutenberg

The Barnacle Goose is a well-known bird, and is eaten on fast-days in France, by virtue of this old belief in its marine origin.

From Project Gutenberg

Some would have him to be a barnacle goose, others a dab-chick or coot—none of which can fairly be classed as aviculæ small birds.

From Project Gutenberg