[f. as prec. + -ING2.] That clocks; in Clocking hen: a. a clucking hen; a hen sitting on eggs.
1552. Huloet, Clockynge henne, singultiens gallina.
1720. Gay, Poems (1745), I. 93. Let … The clocking hen make friendship with the kite.
1824. Miss Ferrier, Inher., I. xvi. 104. Lord Rossville, sitting as usual watching the tea-pot, like a clocking-hen.
b. A West Indian species of Rail: see CLUCKING-HEN.
1703. Dampier, Voy., III. ii. 74. Clocking-Hens are much like the Crab-catchers…. They keep … in swampy wet places.
