Graylag

/ˈɡreɪlæɡ/ noun

Definition

A large wild goose with gray and white plumage, native to Europe and Asia, often considered the ancestor of domestic geese.

Etymology

From gray plus lag, where lag meant 'to fall behind' or 'move slowly.' The term refers to the bird's slower migration compared to other goose species, or simply its gray coloring. The graylag is scientifically named Anser anser.

Kelly Says

The graylag goose was so important to farming history that it's literally the ancestor of all the domestic geese we raise today—we've been selectively breeding this one bird for thousands of years!

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