broody

Definition

Of birds: sitting persistently and protectively on a nest, in order to hatch eggs.

Etymology

From Middle English *brody, *brodi, from Old English brōdiġ (“broody”), equivalent to brood + -y. Cognate with German brütig (“broody”).

Example Sentences

• "a broody hen"
• "“Clayton's getting so broody. This might help put things into perspective for him. I want a family, but I need to establish my career first." "I'm not in a rush," Clayton countered. "You practically teared up at the sight of Serena's tiny socks the other day. You've got baby fever bad.""
• "Then, with unshorn beard and matted hair tangled with straw, his clothes smeared with slime of obscene things which are begotten of damp and darkness, his thoughts broody with wrath and revenge, Kynon was marched through the streets[…]"