I. ˈbid.ə(r)n, ˈbitə- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English bitoure, botor, from Middle French butor, perhaps from (assumed) Vulgar Latin butitaurus, from Latin butio bittern (probably of imitative origin) + taurus ox, bull — more at steer
: any of various small or medium-sized herons of Botaurus and related genera that frequent reedy bogs and swamps, nest on the ground, are nocturnal in habit, and have soft streaked and speckled plumage and a characteristic booming cry — see least bittern , stake driver
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: irregular from bitter (I)
1. : the bitter mother liquor that remains in saltworks after the salt has crystallized out and that contains other salts (as magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, bromides, and iodides)
2. : a very bitter mixture of quassia and other drugs formerly used in adulterating beer