bernache

French

Etymology

From Old French (Norman-Picard) bernaque, bernicle (1270), from Gaulish *bernacula "barnacle" (cf. Irish bairneach, Breton and Welsh brennig), from *barenos "rock" (cf. Irish barenn). The sense evolution is due to the popular belief that barnacle geese, a type of brant, were born out of barnacles (the sea creature).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /bɛʁ.naʃ/

• Audio:

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Noun

bernache f (plural bernaches)

1. brant, barnacle goose; any goose of the genus Branta
2. grape juice at the beginning of its fermentation process

Derived terms

• bernache à cou roux
• bernache cravant
• bernache du Canada
• bernache nonnette

 

Noun

bernache f (plural bernaches)

1. barnacle