Definition of "merle" [merle]

• See blackbird. (noun)
• Having a reddish or bluish gray coat streaked or speckled with black. Used of certain dogs. (adjective)
• A dog with a merle coat. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "It happed after this that a black bird, that is called a merle, came on a time to S. Benet and pecked with his bill at his visage, and grieved and noyed him so much that he could have no rest for it, and could not put it from him, but as soon as he had made the sign of the cross, anon the bird vanished away."
• "The dictionary says it may come from the word "merle," meaning "blackbird.""
• "The red merle Australian shepherd was a surprise Eukanuba winner, beating 2,500 other dogs — and five of the top contenders who are invited to compete at Westminster."