n. (Zool.) A heron; esp., the common European heron. “A stately hern.” Trench. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A thin silk or woolen goods, for women's dresses, woven in various styles and colors. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ AS. hyrne. ] A corner. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Lurking in hernes and in lanes blind. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. E. Hernias L. Herniae [ L. ] (Med.) A protrusion, consisting of an organ or part which has escaped from its natural cavity, and projects through some natural or accidental opening in the walls of the latter; as, hernia of the brain, of the lung, or of the bowels. Hernia of the abdominal viscera in most common. Called also rupture. [ 1913 Webster ]

Strangulated hernia, a hernia so tightly compressed in some part of the channel through which it has been protruded as to arrest its circulation, and produce swelling of the protruded part. It may occur in recent or chronic hernia, but is more common in the latter. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of, or connected with, hernia. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Hernia + Gr. &unr_; to cut. ] (Med.) A surgical procedure for the cure or relief of hernia; celotomy. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Heronshaw. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]