Pedigreed - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

animal breeding

The term 'pedigreed' refers to animals, particularly dogs and cats, that have a documented lineage or ancestry. This documentation is usually recorded in a pedigree, which showcases the animal's family history and can include champions or other notable ancestors. The pedigree is important for maintaining breed standards and traits, ensuring that the offspring inherit desirable characteristics. Pedigreed animals are often more sought after in breeding circles and can carry a higher market value due to their authenticated lineage.

Synonyms

lineaged, purebred, registered.

Examples of usage

The breeder specialized in producing high-quality pedigreed puppies.
She purchased a pedigreed cat for her show competitions.
The pedigreed horse won several awards in the equestrian events.

Interesting Facts

Culture

In dog shows, pedigreed dogs can command higher prices at auctions due to their documented lineage, often leading to better performance records.
Affluent society members in historical England often kept pedigreed horses not only for riding but as a status symbol.
Film and literature explore themes of pedigree, suggesting that character or traits may be influenced by lineage, as seen in Shakespearean plays.

Science

Genetic pedigrees are used in biology to trace inheritance patterns, helping understand genetic disorders in families.
Animal breeding programs rely on pedigree charts to ensure certain traits are maintained, like temperament or size in dogs.
Pedigree analysis plays a crucial role in conservation biology, helping to manage breeding programs for endangered species.

Psychology

Studies suggest individuals with pedigreed backgrounds may experience different social expectations and pressures compared to those without.
The belief in pedigree often ties to perceived superiority, influencing social dynamics between groups in various cultures.
Research indicates that socio-economic status associated with pedigree can impact mental health outcomes.

Literature

Many classic novels explore the significance of pedigree, where characters’ family backgrounds impact their choices and destinies.
Authors often depict the struggles of individuals from less prestigious pedigrees striving for acceptance in high society.
The theme of pedigree reflects the tension between tradition and modernity in societal expectations, explored in various literary works.

Origin of 'pedigreed'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the French term 'pedigree,' which means 'foot of a crane'—a reference to genealogy charts that resembled the bird's footprint.
The concept has been used in the breeding of animals since the 15th century, indicating their royal or noble ancestry.
It's derived from the Middle English 'pedigree,' evolving from 'pied de grue,' which translates to 'crane's foot.'

The term 'pedigreed' originated from the Middle English word 'pedigree,' which itself is derived from the Old French 'pied de gris,' meaning 'foot of the crane,' referring to the shape of a genealogy chart. This term evolved as a way to denote the ancestry or lineage of animals, particularly in the context of breeding for specific traits. Over time, the spelling transformed into 'pedigree' in English, and the adjective form 'pedigreed' came to describe animals that belong to a documented line. The importance of pedigrees in breeding practices increased during the 19th century, with the establishment of organized breed registries, which sought to preserve and enhance certain characteristics in dog and horse breeds.

Pedigreed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations