How Do You Spell PIEBALD?

Pronunciation: [pˈiːbɔːld] (IPA)

Piebald, pronounced /ˈpaɪbɔːld/, is a term that refers to an animal, usually a horse or a dog, that has black and white spots. The first part of the word, "pie" comes from the Middle English word "pie" which means "magpie" and refers to the black and white coloring of the bird. The second part of the word, "bald" comes from the Old English "beald" which means "spot or patch." Together, "piebald" means an animal with irregular spots or patches of black and white.

PIEBALD Meaning and Definition

1. Piebald is an adjective that refers to an animal, usually a horse, with irregular patches of two different colors, typically black and white or brown and white. It describes a distinct coat pattern where the animal's coat is evenly divided between two contrasting colors. The term can also be used to describe other animals or objects exhibiting a similar coloration pattern.

   The word "piebald" is derived from the combination of the Middle English term "pie" meaning magpie, a bird known for its black and white plumage, and "bald," which in this context means having a white spot or patch on the head. This combination aptly captures the distinctive coloring that characterizes animals with piebald patterns.

   Piebald patterns can vary in their distribution and size, with larger patches often appearing more clearly defined. The colors can occur in various combinations and intensities, giving each piebald animal a unique appearance. Piebaldism, a genetic condition that causes an organism to develop patches of unpigmented skin or hair, lies at the root of this distinctive coat pattern.

   Piebald animals can be found in various species, but it is most commonly associated with horses. The striking contrast between the two colors creates a visually appealing coat, and piebald horses are often sought after for their unique appearance. Their distinctiveness has also made them popular subjects in folklore and literature, where they frequently symbolize beauty, grace, and equine splendor.

2. Diversified in colour, as a piebald horse.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PIEBALD

• pield
• oiebald
• liebald
• -iebald
• 0iebald
• puebald
• pjebald
• pkebald
• poebald
• pibald
• peibald
• Pyabald
• Skiebald
• Pyebold
• Tiebalt

Etymology of PIEBALD

The word "piebald" is derived from Middle English "pied" meaning "having patches of two or more colors" and "bald" meaning "having a white spot or streak on the head". "Pie" is derived from the Old English word "pic", meaning "magpie", which has a black and white plumage. Combining "pie" with "bald" created the term "piebald" to describe animals or objects that have patches or spots of two or more colors, resembling the coloring pattern of a magpie. Over time, the term extended to describe any item or creature exhibiting such a patchy coloration.

Plural form of PIEBALD is PIEBALDS