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Virginia rail

American  

noun

  1. a long-billed American rail, Rallus limicola, having blackish and reddish-brown plumage.


Etymology

Origin of Virginia rail

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Apparently, the three fellows perched on the Virginia rail fence had agreed to wait for others who were to join them in starting for the favorite "swimmin' hole," for their conversation betrayed this fact.

From Afloat or, Adventures on Watery Trails by Alan Douglas

At that time I weighed one hundred and ninety pounds, was in vigorous health and strength, tough as hickory, and could go over or through a Virginia rail fence as deftly as a mule.

From The Story of a Cannoneer Under Stonewall Jackson by Edward A. Moore

Between them runs a lively, gurgling brook, which used to be frequented by woodcock, and the Virginia rail, and passes close by Mrs. Emerson's garden.

From Sketches from Concord and Appledore by Frank Preston Stearns

The six-muled teams appeared in a few moments and were whipped up alongside of the Virginia rail fence.

From Charles Carleton Coffin War Correspondent, Traveller, Author, and Statesman by William Elliot Griffis

At our approach the heron has flown and the little Virginia rail has scuttled away among the reeds.

From The Log of the Sun A Chronicle of Nature's Year by William Beebe

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