Herns

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term possibly referring to multiple large birds of prey resembling herons; a surname used by individuals or families; or a rare regional or historical variation in spelling for a similar noun
2. A collective designation for types of heron-like birds; used as a family name identifying certain persons; or an uncommon alternative form found in certain dialects or texts
3. Refers to a group of long-legged wading birds related to herons; serves as a last name for some people; or represents a seldom-used variant spelling in specific local uses

Etymology: "Herns" is the plural of "hern," a dialect variant of heron, so it refers to several herons. The same spelling also descends from Old English "hyrne," meaning "corner," and from a Middle English form of "hers," where the final -n was added by analogy with "mine" and "thine."

Synonyms: herons, wading birds