In article ,
Richard Wright wrote:
= On Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:33:26 -0700, Robert Klute
= wrote:
=
= On Thu, 10 Aug 2006 18:40:23 -0400, ishmale wrote:
=
= A hen is not a cock.
[...]
= The Oxford English Dictionary does not agree with the assertion that a
= hen is not a cock: "The word hens is also used in some connexions as =
= 'domestic fowls' without regard to sex."

Might this be a variation on this theme:

A dog is either the male or the generic; the female is,
specifically, a bitch.

A horse is either the male or the generic; the female is,
specifically, a mare.


--
Charlie Sorsby

Edgewood, NM 87015
USA