greyhen

American  

[grey-hen] / ˈgreɪˈhɛn /

noun

British.

1. the female of the black grouse.

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greyhen British  

/ ˈɡreɪˌhɛn /

noun

1. the female of the black grouse Compare blackcock

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Etymology

Origin of greyhen

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; see origin at grey, hen

Example Sentences

The last pack remembered was killed about thirty-five years ago; and within these ten years one solitary greyhen was sprung by some beagles in beating for a hare. 

From The Natural History of Selborne, Vol. 1 by Morley, Henry

The bird, however, to which the name of grouse in all strictness belongs is probably the Tetrao tetrix of Linnaeus—the blackcock and greyhen, as the sexes are respectively called.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 6 "Groups, Theory of" to "Gwyniad" by Various

The sportsmen cried out, 'A hen pheasant'; but a gentleman present, who had often seen grouse in the north of England, assured me that it was a greyhen.

From The Natural History of Selborne by White, Gilbert

The last pack remembered was killed about thirty-five years ago; and within these ten years one solitary greyhen was sprung by some beagles in beating for a hare.

From The Natural History of Selborne by White, Gilbert

Another interesting feature about pheasants is the extraordinary difference in plumage between the sexes, a gap equalled only between the blackcock and greyhen and quite unknown in the partridge, quail and grouse.

From Birds in the Calendar by Aflalo, Frederick G. (Frederick George)