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

That will be in one of five tiers so the more pedigree you have, the more money you will be given.

From BBC

But there are a few that stand out, for their styling, pedigree, or what’s under the hood.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I see where I had the opportunity and where that privilege comes from,” Hudson says of her Hollywood pedigree.

From Los Angeles Times

Not just from the post-Levy powerbrokers, but from fans who simply never warmed to Frank, and who were unconvinced by his pedigree and methods.

From BBC

Vince Wise says there are people who specialise in selling vehicles in the sub-£5,000 bracket where buyers might be less suspicious about the car's pedigree.

From BBC

Related Words

• lineage