moorhen

English

Etymology

From Middle English morhen, perhaps from Old English *mōrhenn, an alteration of Old English worhenn (compare coordinate masculine term mōrhana, a possible corruption of worhana (“pheasant”)), equivalent to moor +‎ hen.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈmuɹ.hɛn/
  • Audio (Southern England):(file)

Noun

moorhen (plural moorhens)

  1. Any of various medium-sized water birds of the genus Gallinula, of the rail family, that feed in open water margins.
    Synonyms: marsh hen, gallinule
    • 1980, AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd, page 217:
      The pond was another favourite place to visit. Moorhens strutted from the neighbouring bushes, and a bevy of Muscovy ducks, a study in black, white and red, waddled from the farmyard hard by to enjoy a refreshing splash.
  2. (British) A female red grouse, Lagopus lagopus scotica.

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