piebald

Definition

Spotted or blotched, especially in black and white.

Etymology

From pie (“magpie”) + bald (“having white patches or blazes”). Compare typologically Polish srokaty < sroka.

Example Sentences

• ""Well, isn't that just like a girl. All this round you, and you only see a bit of dust. It'll brush off." He patted ineffectually at his piebald shirt."
• "Usually, however, the hitcher was standing exactly where she'd first passed him, his arm perhaps just marginally less erect, his clothing (if rain was setting in) just that little bit more piebald."
• "The classic example of a piebald dog is the Dalmatian."

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