Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Sauerkraut \Sauer"kraut`\, n. [G., fr. sauer sour + kraut herb,
   cabbage.]
   Cabbage cut fine and allowed to ferment in a brine made of
   its own juice with salt, -- a German dish.

Source : WordNet®

sauerkraut
     n : shredded cabbage fermented in brine