hen /hɛn/noun 11adverb 1verb 2forms 3phrases 2 noun11 •A female chicken (Gallus gallus), especially a sexually mature one kept for her eggs. •A female of other bird species, particularly a sexually mature female fowl.In Tain, north of Inverness, staff detected 11 males and at least seven hens – the highest number there since 2011. — 2023 •A female fish (especially a salmon or trout) or crustacean. •(Scotland, informal) An affectionate term of address used to women or girls.Don't cry, hen. Everything will be all right. •(UK, informal) A hen night. •(figurative) A woman.Hen, a woman. A cock and hen club; a club composed of men and women. — 1785 •(informal, figurative) A bride-to-be, particularly in the context of a hen night. •(offensive, figurative) A henlike person of either sex. •The hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria), a bivalve shellfish. •(slang) The penis of a trans woman. •(no longer used) A large pewter pot used in a tavern. adverb1 •(dialect) Hence. verb2 •(dialect) To throw. •Synonym of mother-hen.Once he had flared up, "If ever a man was henned, it's me!" — 1943 formshenned · henning · hens Phrases with hen hen upTo find a receptive female mate. mother henA female chicken who bears eggs or chicks.
