Fowl n.
Note: Instead of the pl. Fowls the singular is often used collectively.
1. Any bird; esp., any large edible bird.
Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air. --Gen. i. 26.
Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not. --Matt. vi. 26.
Like a flight of fowl
Scattered by winds and high tempestuous gusts. --Shak.
2. Any domesticated bird used as food, as a hen, turkey, duck; in a more restricted sense, the common domestic cock or hen (Gallus domesticus).
Barndoor fowl, or Barnyard fowl, a fowl that frequents the barnyard; the common domestic cock or hen.