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

A grayish colored Rail, about the size of, and with the markings similar to those of the King Rail.

From Project Gutenberg

It is as exclusively a salt water species as the King Rail is a fresh water one.

From Project Gutenberg

The King Rail is the largest of the American true rails and is favored with a number of popular names.

From Project Gutenberg

Its nesting or eggs will not differ from those of the King Rail.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg