hernshaw

[ hurn-shaw ]

/ ˈhɜrn ʃɔ /

a heron.

Origin of hernshaw

1555–65; variant of dial. heronsew, Middle English < Middle French heronceau, heroncel, diminutive of heron heron

To know a hawk from a hernshaw is an ancient proverb, sometimes corrupted into handsaw.

Hamlet |William Shakespeare
Miss Hernshaw didn't seek to fathom the mystery of his closing words.

Questionable Shapes |William Dean Howells
Meantime, a courier was despatched to Hernshaw Castle, to prepare for Mrs. Gaunt's reception.

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 18, No. 109, November, 1866 |Various
So she kept all her sweetness for that little cottage, and all her acidity for Hernshaw Castle.

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 17, No. 103, May, 1866 |Various

And, that same night, Mrs. Gaunt left Hernshaw in her own chariot between two constables, and escorted by armed yeomen.

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 18, No. 107, September, 1866 |Various