anserine

or an·ser·ous

[ an-suh-rahyn, -rin ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the subfamily Anserinae, of the family Anatidae, comprising the true geese.
2. resembling a goose; gooselike.
3. stupid; foolish; silly.

anserine

/ ˈænsəˌraɪn; -rɪn; ˈænsərəs /

adjective

1. of or resembling a goose
2. of, relating to, or belonging to the subfamily Anserinae, which includes geese, swans, and certain ducks: family Anatidae, order Anseriformes
3. silly; foolish

Word History and Origins

Origin of anserine¹

1830–40; < Latin anserīnus of, pertaining to geese, equivalent to anser goose + -īnus -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of anserine¹

C19: from Latin anserīnus, from anser goose

Example Sentences

With that Katie's goose—or perhaps one should say her Anserine—was cooked.

From Project Gutenberg

The gaff is blown, the anserine guard gives tongue with might and main.

From Project Gutenberg

America possesses by far the greatest wealth of Anserine forms.

From Project Gutenberg