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peahen

[pee-hen]
noun
  1. the female peafowl.
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Origin of peahen

First recorded in 1375–1425, peahen is from the late Middle English word pehenne. See peacock, hen
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for peahen

Historical Examples

  • Run out to the terrace and see if the peahen has laid an egg.

    Prince Vance

    Eleanor Putnam

  • Then she changed into a peahen, and flew away with the others.

  • Then the girl turned again into a peahen, and flew away with the other eight.

  • The peahen should, of course, be permitted to take charge of one set of eggs.

  • For a remark on the words peacock, peahen, see the Chapter upon Gender.

    The English Language

    Robert Gordon Latham

Word Origin and History for peahen

n.

c.1400, from Old English pawa "peafowl" (see peacock) + hen.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper