chicken snake

noun

1. a striped rat snake, Elaphe obsoleta, of the southeastern United States, reaching a length of 4 to 7 feet (1.2 to 2.1 meters).

Word History and Origins

Origin of chicken snake¹

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10

Example Sentences

He kills them as easily as he does the innocent “chicken snake” or the black constrictor.

From Project Gutenberg

It measured over four feet in length, was dark in color and was of the kind, that eats eggs and chicks, commonly called a chicken snake.

From Project Gutenberg

One time me and my sister was spinning and old Mistress went to the well-house and she found a chicken snake and killed it.

From Project Gutenberg