fool hen

American  

noun

1. any of various grouse, as the spruce grouse, that can be killed easily because of their relative tameness.

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Etymology

Origin of fool hen

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fool hen

"That fool hen isn't fully convinced she wants a family," he said.

From Lydia of the Pines by Honoré Morrow

Ptarmigan, wood-duck, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, fool hen and plover.

From Our Vanishing Wild Life Its Extermination and Preservation by William Temple Hornaday

This is another of the grouse family that has been given the name of "fool hen," on account of its naturally tame nature.

From Game Birds and Game Fishes of the Pacific Coast by Harry Thom Payne

While we were unloading the horses, a "fool hen" came and lit in a tree near us.

From Cruisings in the Cascades A Narrative of Travel, Exploration, Amateur Photography, Hunting, and Fishing by George O. Shields

It is naturally a confiding bird where it has not been hunted much, and for this reason has been given the name, "fool hen," in many localities.

From Game Birds and Game Fishes of the Pacific Coast by Harry Thom Payne