n. 1 (often attrib.) a recorded line of descent of a person or esp. a pure-bred domestic or pet animal. 2 the derivation of a word. 3 a genealogical table. 4 colloq. the 'life history' of a person, thing, idea, etc. pedigreed adj.
[ ME pedegru etc. f. AF f. OF pie de grue (unrecorded) crane's foot, a mark denoting succession in pedigrees ]