indian hen

1 definition found

indian hen - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Stake-driver \Stake"-driv`er\ (-dr[imac]v`[~e]r), n. (Zool.)
     The common American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus); -- so
     called because one of its notes resembles the sound made in
     driving a stake into the mud. Called also meadow hen, and
     Indian hen.
     [1913 Webster]