bertha

¹

[ bur-thuh ]

noun

1. a collar or trimming, as of lace, worn about the shoulders by women, as over a low-necked waist or dress.

Bertha

²

[ bur-thuh ]

noun

1. a female given name: from a Germanic word meaning “bright.”

bertha

/ ˈbɜːθə /

noun

1. a wide deep capelike collar, often of lace, usually to cover up a low neckline

Word History and Origins

Origin of bertha¹

First recorded in 1835–45; named after Bertha (died a.d. 783), wife of Frankish king Pepin the Short; she was famed for her modesty

Word History and Origins

Origin of bertha¹

C19: from French berthe , from Berthe , 8th-century Frankish queen, mother of Charlemagne

Example Sentences

The company moved into what was called Bertha Island, and soon become synonymous with the land it occupied.

From The Daily Beast

The Big Bertha could fire a shell over almost eight miles that could reduce a fort to a smoking ruin.

From The Daily Beast

Today we know that the Big Bertha was an instrument not of “strikes” but war.

From The Daily Beast

She began asking questions about Bertha, how she looked, how old she was, and how she was dressed.

From Project Gutenberg

They had both decided that the girl, Bertha, was the one they had seen carried off in the big French car.

From Project Gutenberg

“Your idea of taking Henrietta over there and letting her call Bertha is a good one,” declared Amy stubbornly.

From Project Gutenberg

If Bertha Blair was ever to aid the side of right and truth in this matter, she must be found and brought to court.

From Project Gutenberg

The question now was, had Bertha stolen her way into the tower at that time, or was she held prisoner there?

From Project Gutenberg

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