sage hen

noun

1. the sage grouse, especially the female.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sage hen¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

Maybe it was Wayne on his way home from hunting; last week, he’d brought me two sage hens.

From Literature

“Sage brush is essential habitat for native animals like mule deer, sage hen and cottontails,” said Mosley.

From National Geographic

“David” and the other hunters of the company also killed sage hens, antelope and buffalo.

From Project Gutenberg

The sage grouse, or sage hen is the largest of the grouse of America, some of the males weighing as much as seven pounds.

From Project Gutenberg

That bird-benedict must be sized like a sage hen to toot all that.

From Project Gutenberg