cock-sparrows

Accordingly cock-sparrows have a shorter life than the females.

On longevity and shortness of life 2002

Accordingly cock-sparrows have a shorter life than the females.

On longevity and shortness of life 2002

Dashing young cock-sparrows would show off before their particular hen-sparrows, and earn a cheap reputation for dare-devilry by going within so many years of Edwin's lair, and then darting away.

Love Among the Chickens 1928

She looked again at Mr. Clacton; yes, he was bald, and so are cock-sparrows.

Night and Day 1920

The cock-sparrows ruffled themselves up, so that all their feathers stood straight on end; and then they perked their tails up slanting in the air, so that they looked like little gray balls with a pin stuck in them.

Tales of Two Countries Alexander Lange Kielland 1877

"Well," said Mr Cripps, "I don't so much care about your nightingales and cock-sparrows and scholarships, and all them traps, but I'd like to oblige you."

The Fifth Form at Saint Dominic's A School Story Talbot Baines Reed 1872

And thus he might doubtless have escaped to do yet further harm, had not three cock-sparrows overtaken him just before he crossed the bridge.

Old-Fashioned Fairy Tales Juliana Horatia Gatty Ewing 1863

My pumps are full of this frost-dew; and I shall be a toe or two out of pocket, if I am to stand still all the time they are stretching themselves; for, I fancy, Doctor, you are of my opinion, that the matter will not be a fight of cock-sparrows.”

Woodstock 1855

Doctor, you are of my opinion, that the matter will not be a fight of cock-sparrows. "

Woodstock; or, the Cavalier Walter Scott 1801