Definition

Noun: 1. A breed of domestic chicken: Dorking is an English breed of large domestic fowl, historically valued for its meat. It is characterized by having five toes on each foot, with the hind toe doubled.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The Dorking is one of the oldest known breeds of chicken.
  • We raise several Dorkings on our farm because they are excellent table birds.
  • The breed standard for the Dorking requires a fifth toe.

Advanced Usage

• As a proper noun: When referring specifically to the breed, "Dorking" is often capitalized.
  • The Silver Gray Dorking is a beautiful and rare variety.

Variants and Related Words

• Dorking hen: A female chicken of the Dorking breed.
• Dorking cock/rooster: A male chicken of the Dorking breed.

Synonyms

• Poultry breed: A general term for a cultivated variety of domestic fowl.
• Table fowl: A bird raised primarily for meat, which describes the Dorking's primary historical use.

Notes on Meaning

• The word "Dorking" refers exclusively to this specific breed of chicken. It is not used as a general term for poultry or as a common noun outside of this context. Its defining physical characteristic is the presence of five toes.

Noun

1. an English breed of large domestic fowl having five toes (the hind toe doubled)