Word Study
gannet
CIDE DICTIONARY
gannet, n. [OE. gant, AS. ganet, ganot, a sea fowl, a fen duck; akin to D. gent gander, OHG. ganazzo. See Gander, Goose.].
One of several species of sea birds of the genus Sula , allied to the pelicans. [1913 Webster]
" The common gannet of Europe and America (Sula bassana ), is also called solan goose , chandel goose , and gentleman . In Florida the wood ibis is commonly called gannet." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
gannet, n.
1 any sea bird of the genus Sula, esp. Sula bassana, catching fish by plunge-diving.
2 sl. a greedy person.
1 any sea bird of the genus Sula, esp. Sula bassana, catching fish by plunge-diving.
2 sl. a greedy person.
Derivative
gannetry n. (pl. -ies).
Etymology
OE ganot f. Gmc, rel. to GANDER
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