(Also BRENT q.v.) [Derivation and original application uncertain: in Sw. brandgås (Icel. brandgás only in the þulur) is the sheldrake or bergander; in Ger., brandgans is according to some the sheldrake, but with Grimm = Anser fuscus, the Black or Velvet Duck; in English, brant, brant-goose was long confounded with the barnacle goose. Early naturalists (Gesner, Aldrovandus, etc.) were content to derive the name from βρένθος an unidentified water-bird mentioned by Aristotle; later etymologists have suggested brended or BRANDED, brindled, and BRAND fire, burning, perh. in sense of dusky black, or sooty color; but in the absence of knowledge where the name arose, and to what bird it was originally applied, nothing can be determined.]
The smallest species of wild goose (Bernicla brenta) breeding in high northern latitudes, and visiting the British coasts in winter. Formerly confounded with the allied Barnacle-goose. Also
Brant-goose (in 8 casually bran-, brand-goose; in Eng. authors since Pennant more commonly BRENT-GOOSE q.v.).
1544. Turner, Avium praecipuarum, 23. Prior anser a nostris hodie branta et bernicla vocatur.
1601. Holland, Pliny, I. 301. Such egs not only Doues doe bring, but … geese and Brants, or the female Barganders.
1624. Capt. Smith, Virginia, II. 27. In winter there are … Geese, Brants, Ducke.
1668. Charleton, Onomast., 98. The Barnacle or Scots-goose or Clak-guse, quae eadem forte est cum Branta seu Brentho.
1676. T. Glover, in Phil. Trans., XI. 626. Cormorants, Brants, Shield-fowl.
1836. W. Irving, Astoria (1849), 332. The country abounded with … swans, wild geese, brant.
1855. Longf., Hiaw., I. 103. I have given you brant and beaver.
b. 1597. Gerarde, Herbal, 391. Foules, whom we call Barnakles; in the north of England Brant geese.
1668. Wilkins, Real Char., II. v. 156. One is black from the breast to the middle of the belly, called Brant Goose, Bernicla or Brenta.
1678. Ray, Willughby’s Ornith., 360. I am of opinion that the Brant-Goose differs specifically from the Bernacle, however writers of the History of Birds confound them.
1750. E. Smith, Compl. Housewife, 7. To chuse a goose, wild goose, and Bran-goose.
1766. Phil. Trans., LVI. 212. He mentions the brand geese first.
1863. Kingsley, Water-B., vi. 269. Swans and brant geese, harlequins and eiders.
