pedigree

American  

[ped-i-gree] / ˈpɛd ɪˌgri /

noun

1. an ancestral line; line of descent; lineage; ancestry.

2. a genealogical table, chart, list, or record, especially of a purebred animal.

3. distinguished, excellent, or pure ancestry.

4. derivation, origin, or history.

   the pedigree of a word.

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pedigree British  

/ ˈpɛdɪˌɡriː /

noun

1. 1. the line of descent of a purebred animal

   2. ( as modifier )

      a pedigree bull

2. a document recording this

3. a genealogical table, esp one indicating pure ancestry

4. derivation or background

   the pedigree of an idea

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Related Words

Pedigree, genealogy refer to an account of ancestry. A pedigree is a table or chart recording a line of ancestors, either of persons or (more especially) of animals, as horses, cattle, and dogs; in the case of animals, such a table is used as proof of superior qualities: a detailed pedigree. A genealogy is an account of the descent of a person or family traced through a series of generations, usually from the first known ancestor: a genealogy that includes a king.

Other Word Forms

• pedigreed adjective
• pedigreeless adjective

Etymology

Origin of pedigree

1375–1425; late Middle English pedegru, from Anglo-French, equivalent to Middle French pie de grue literally, “foot of crane,” a fanciful way of describing the appearance of the lines of a genealogical chart

Example Sentences

Squaring up to a fighter of Joshua’s power and pedigree is like volunteering to be in a car crash.

From The Wall Street Journal

Announcing his appointment on Friday, a Bury statement said: "Michael's blend of strategic expertise, coaching pedigree and global management experience makes him the right leader to inspire our squad and unite our supporters."

From BBC

The most highly coveted point guard in the transfer portal, Dent arrived on campus with the pedigree of an All-American honorable mention who was expected to immediately elevate his new team.

From Los Angeles Times

When developing his idea for the memorial, Hall studied the architectural pedigree of each house before planning the extractions of their chimneys, hulking towers of brick, stone and mortar.

From Los Angeles Times

As with Salah, a player of Van Dijk's pedigree must not be written off after winning two Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two EFL Cups in a stellar Liverpool career.

From BBC

Related Words

• lineage