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hen hawk

American  

noun

  1. chicken hawk.


Etymology

Origin of hen hawk

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

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.

But before that I was once scared into a panic by a high-soaring hen hawk.

From My Boyhood by Burroughs, John

A horned owl perched beside him, and on a branch just above him a hen hawk alighted.

From The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Howard, Velma Swanston

Run for a gun! there a hen hawk flies!

From Memories and Anecdotes by Sanborn, Kate

"You never made a greater mistake," says E. E., fierce as a hen hawk.

From Phemie Frost's Experiences by Stephens, Ann S. (Ann Sophia)

The hen hawk is so named because he rarely or never catches a hen or a chicken.

From My Boyhood by Burroughs, John