noun / adjective
bantam
BAN-tum/ˈbæntəm/
A chicken of an unusually small variety.
The mature bantam rooster stands much smaller than the hen beside it.
Etymology
Bantam names the place in Java from which these small chickens were said to have first been imported. The place-name’s own origin is unknown, probably from a local language.
More examples
- They keep several bantams in a small backyard coop.
- The bantam rooster darted between the garden beds.
- His bantam size did nothing to weaken his confidence.
Forms
bantam · bantams