Definition of bittern

• n. - A wading bird of the genus Botaurus, allied to the herons, of various species.
• a. - The brine which remains in salt works after the salt is concreted, having a bitter taste from the chloride of magnesium which it contains.
• a. - A very bitter compound of quassia, cocculus Indicus, etc., used by fraudulent brewers in adulterating beer.
• n. - A wading bird of the genus Botaurus, allied to the herons, of various species.
• a. - The brine which remains in salt works after the salt is concreted, having a bitter taste from the chloride of magnesium which it contains.
• a. - A very bitter compound of quassia, cocculus Indicus, etc., used by fraudulent brewers in adulterating beer.