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 first 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

Bertha Lungu burst into a fit of rage, crying uncontrollably as she hurled unsavoury words at Zambia's Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, who was also present in court.

From BBC

For Bertha, hosting the ball completes a social and political hat trick.

From Salon

Exquisite gowns and tiaras shine in the electric “display of illumination” – Bertha’s fancy description for strings of garden lights – brightening the sumptuous garden.

From Salon

What that ball has that Bertha’s lacks is a more profound romantic satisfaction.

From Salon

Gladys’ marriage is the product of a financial arrangement brokered by Bertha, of which George disapproves.

From Salon

Related Words

• choker