I.a hen.
I. Lit., Varr. R. R. 3, 9, 1; Col. 8, 2, 1; Plaut. Ps. 1, 1, 27 sq.; Cic. de Sen. 16, 56; id. Ac. 2, 18, 57; id. Div. 2, 26, 56; id. N. D. 2, 48, 124; Hor. S. 2, 2, 24; 2, 4, 18 al.—As a term of endearment: “dic me igitur tuom passerculum, gallinam, coturnicem,” Plaut. As. 3, 3, 76.—Comic.: has (litteras) quidem gallina scripsit. these are hen-tracks, Plaut. Ps. 1, 1, 28.—Prov.: “gallinae filius albae,” child of fortune, fortune's favorite, Juv. 13, 141; v. filius and albus.—
II. Transf.: “ad Gallinas,” a villa of the Cœsars on the Tiber, near Rome, Suet. Galb. 1; cf. Plin. 15, 30, 40, § 137.