View synonyms for pedigree

pedigree

[ ped-i-gree ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

an ancestral line; line of descent; lineage; ancestry.
a genealogical table, chart, list, or record, especially of a purebred animal.
distinguished, excellent, or pure ancestry.
derivation, origin, or history:
the pedigree of a word.

pedigree

/ ˈpɛdɪˌɡriː /

noun

1. the line of descent of a purebred animal
2. ( as modifier )
  a pedigree bull
a document recording this
a genealogical table, esp one indicating pure ancestry
derivation or background
the pedigree of an idea

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Derived Forms

ˈpediˌgreed, adjective

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Other Words From

pedi·greeless adjective

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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

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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

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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.

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Example Sentences

Michael, 52, is a fifth generation farmer who breeds pedigree Suffolk sheep with the help of his mum Helen, who's 78.

From BBC

This was unthinkable at the start of the season given their pedigree, but it has become very thinkable in recent weeks, especially after the fearful going over they got when losing 4-2 in Paris.

From BBC

He has outstanding pedigree having won 95 Wales caps during an 11-year international career that included four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams and three World Cups.

From BBC

She served below par and hit too many unforced errors as Kudermetova, now ranked 75th, showed her pedigree.

From BBC

“You definitely feel that pedigree based on the love that he has and that relationship that he has with his father,” McVay said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

lineage

pediform pedigreed

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