fool hen


noun

any of various grouse, as the spruce grouse, that can be killed easily because of their relative tameness.

Origin of fool hen

First recorded in 1750–60

Example sentences from the Web for fool hen

  • I suppose you didn't notice if you hit that fool-hen, Colonel Cruickshank?

    Gold, Gold, in Cariboo! |Clive Phillipps-Wolley
  • If a poor cackling grouse or "fool-hen" be thrust into the pit, the Indian is almost sure to find a prisoner.

  • This evening luck had deserted his fishing, so the trapper took a rifle and went into the woods after a fool-hen.