king rail

noun

1. a large, long-billed rail, Rallus elegans, of North America, having reddish-brown plumage.

Word History and Origins

Origin of king rail¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

Gallo texts to say they heard a King Rail, a state-endangered bird scouted earlier by honorary team member Phil Rusch—and are heading back north to the finish line.

From Scientific American

Resembling a King Rail in color, but much smaller.

From Project Gutenberg

King Rail: Rallus elegans elegans Audubon.—This summer resident is locally common in marshlands.

From Project Gutenberg

She had heard the King rail to his barons upon the impudence of London.

From Project Gutenberg

A small Rail, 9 inches long, very similar in markings and coloration to the King Rail.

From Project Gutenberg