fowl
UK[faʊl]US[faʊl]
n
a bird, especially a chicken, that is kept for its meat or eggs.
n
any bird, especially a wild bird that is hunted for food or sport.
Etymology
the word "fowl" has a direct lineage from the old english fugol, which broadly meant "bird". this old english term evolved from the proto-germanic fuglaz, a common ancestor for related words in other germanic languages like german vogel and dutch vogel. the semantic scope of the word narrowed over time in english, shifting from a general term for any bird to one specifically denoting domesticated birds like chickens or wild birds hunted as game. this specialization contrasts with the more general modern word "bird", which itself is a descendant from a different old english root, bridd, originally meaning "young bird".
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is derived from old english fugol meaning "bird", which in turn comes from proto-germanic fuglaz.
Examples
we had roast fowl for sunday dinner.
the farm raises various types of fowl, including chickens and ducks.
wetlands are important habitats for waterfowl and other wild fowl.