capon

[ key-pon, -puhn ]

noun

1. a cockerel castrated to improve the flesh for use as food.

capon

/ ˈkeɪpən /

noun

1. a castrated cock fowl fattened for eating

Word History and Origins

Origin of capon¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English capun, from Latin capōn- (stem of capō ) “castrated cock”; akin to Greek kóptein “to cut,” Old Church Slavonic skopiti “to castrate”

Word History and Origins

Origin of capon¹

Old English capun, from Latin cāpō capon; related to Greek koptein to cut off

Example Sentences

If life has such a thing as an apotheosis, it surely involves truffled capon.

From The Daily Beast

After office home to dinner, where come in my cozen Snow by chance, and I had a very good capon to dinner.

From Project Gutenberg

This, while it may have helped that "belly with fat capon lined," has kept him at peace with himself and the world.

From Project Gutenberg

The so-called capon made a sound like that of a childs drum when it falls to the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

The mayor opened the door, and called the notary, who was dining with him, to come and pass judgment on the capon.

From Project Gutenberg

During the repast the girl scarcely spoke; the capon she hardly touched; the claret she merely sipped.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• chicken
• goose
• hen
• pheasant