Bittern

Bit·tern

Bittern

n.
  1. A wading bird of the genus Botaurus, allied to the herons, of various species. (Zool.)

Bittern

n.
  1. The brine which remains in salt works after the salt is concreted, having a bitter taste from the chloride of magnesium which it contains.
  2. A very bitter compound of quassia, cocculus Indicus, etc., used by fraudulent brewers in adulterating beer.