English Explanatory Dictionary

moorhen

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Any of various medium-sized water birds of the genus Gallinula, of the rail family, that feed in open water margins.
  2. A female red grouse, Lagopus lagopus scotica.

Pronunciation

/ˈmʊəɹˌhɛn/ /ˈmʊɹˌhɛn/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-moorhen.wav

Word forms

moorhen moorhens

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.

Synonyms

moggy marsh hen gallinule stank hen stankie

Related words

moorbird moorcock moorfowl

Derived words

common moorhen dusky moorhen European moorhen lesser moorhen
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