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The Angus Briefing · Sunday · 3 min

A Word, Please: Pedigree

Today, a pedigree belongs to blue-ribbon spaniels, champion racehorses, and families with long memories. But six centuries ago in medieval England, the term wasn't about high birth at all; it was just a herald's shorthand for a peculiar three-pronged mark on parchment. The path from a wild bird's muddy footprint to high society is earthier than you might expect.

0:00-3:09

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show notes

Today, a pedigree belongs to blue-ribbon spaniels, champion racehorses, and families with long memories. But six centuries ago in medieval England, the term wasn't about high birth at all; it was just a herald's shorthand for a peculiar three-pronged mark on parchment. The path from a wild bird's muddy footprint to high society is earthier than you might expect.