IPA: //ˈbætfaʊl//
KK: /ˈbætfaʊl/
To catch birds that are resting at night by using a light to blind them and then hitting or trapping them.
Hunters often batfowl in the marshes during the night.
Past: batfowled
Past Participle: batfowled
The word 'batfowl' is formed from 'bat' (from Old English *batt*, meaning a small, flying mammal) and 'fowl' (from Old English *fugel*, meaning bird). The term 'batfowl' refers to a bird that is associated with or resembles a bat, particularly in its nocturnal habits.
Think of a 'bat' as a small flying mammal and 'fowl' as a type of bird. This helps you remember that 'batfowl' refers to a bird that shares characteristics with bats, especially in its nighttime activity.