King James Bible Dictionary

Several distinct Hebrew and Greek words are thus rendered in the English Bible. Of these the most common is 'oph , which is usually a collective term for all kinds of birds. In (1 Kings 4:23) among the daily provisions for Solomon's table "fatted fowl" are included. In the New Testament the word translated "fowls" is most frequently that which comprehends all kinds of birds (including ravens , (Luke 12:24) [SPARROW]

FOWL, noun [Latin fugio, fugo, Gr. and signifying the flying animal.]

A flying or winged animal; the generic name of certain animals that move through the air by the aid of wings. Fowls have two feet, are covered with feathers, and have wings for flight. Bird is a young fowl or chicken, and may well be applied to the smaller species of fowls. But it has usurped the place of fowl and is used improperly as the generic term.

FOWL is used as a collective noun. We dined on fish and fowl

Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air. Genesis 1:20.

But this use in America is not frequent. We generally use the plural, fowls. The word is colloquially used for poultry, or rather, in a more limited sense, for barn door fowls.

FOWL, verb intransitive To catch or kill wild fowls for game or food; as by means of bird-lime, decoys, nets and snares, or by pursuing them with hawks, or by shooting.

The arts of, referred to Psalms 91:3; 124:7; Proverbs 6:5; Jeremiah 5:26; Hosea 9:8; Ezekiel 17:20; Ecclesiastes 9:12. Birds of all kinds abound in Palestine, and the capture of these for the table and for other uses formed the employment of many persons. The traps and snares used for this purpose are mentioned Hosea 5:1; Proverbs 7:23; 22:5; Amos 3:5; Psalms 69:22; comp. Deuteronomy 22:6, 7.

FOWL'ER, noun A sportsman who pursues wild fowls, or takes or kills them for food.

FOWL'ING, participle present tense Pursuing or taking wild fowls.

FOWL'ING, noun The art or practice of catching or shooting fowls; also, falconry.

FOWL'INGPIECE, noun A light gun for shooting fowls.