Bittern \Bit"tern\, n. [OE. bitoure, betore, bitter, fr. F.
   butor; of unknown origin.] (Zool.)
   A wading bird of the genus {Botaurus}, allied to the herons,
   of various species.
   
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   Note: The common European bittern is {Botaurus stellaris}. It
         makes, during the brooding season, a noise called by
         Dryden bumping, and by Goldsmith booming. The American
         bittern is {Botaurus lentiginosus}, and is also called
         {stake-driver} and {meadow hen}. See {Stake-driver}.
         
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   Note: The name is applied to other related birds, as the
         {least bittern} ({Ardetta exilis}), and the {sun  bittern}.
         
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