mother carey's chicken
Definition
Noun 1. A medium-sized storm petrel: This is a specific name for a type of seabird, the storm petrel, known for its association with the open ocean and stormy weather. The name is a folk or sailor's term.
Usage
The term "Mother Carey's chicken" is a traditional, somewhat archaic nautical name. It is used specifically to refer to the storm petrel, a bird sailors historically believed signaled approaching storms. * The old sailor pointed to the birds skimming the waves and called them Mother Carey's chickens, a sure sign of rough weather ahead. * Before modern forecasting, sailors watched for Mother Carey's chickens as an omen of a coming storm.
Advanced Usage
- The name is a corruption of "Mater Cara," a Latin phrase meaning "Dear Mother," referring to the Virgin Mary, whom sailors prayed to for protection. The "chicken" part refers to the bird's small size and fluttering flight.
- It is primarily used in historical, literary, or poetic contexts about the sea and sailing.
Variants and Related Words
- Storm petrel (n.): The modern, standard common name for these birds.
- Stormy petrel (n.): Another variant of the common name. Figuratively, it can also mean a person who brings or foreshadows trouble or unrest.
Synonyms
- Storm petrel
- Stormy petrel
Idioms and Related Phrases
- While not an idiom itself, the bird is a symbol or omen of storms and turbulent weather in maritime lore.
Noun
-
medium-sized storm petrel
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