[See JENNY 2.]
1. A popular, and esp. nursery, name for the wren (also locally Kitty Wren): sometimes regarded in nursery lore as the wife, bride or sweetheart of Robin Redbreast.
1648. Earl Westmoreland, Otia Sacra, 137. The finch, the sparrow, Jenny Wren.
1828. Craven Dial., Jenny Wren, the wren. An opinion prevails … that this diminutive bird is the female of the Robin Redbreast.
1863. Sat. Rev., 283. He gives up the ripeness of his studies, and the last growth of his artistic skill to our robin red-breasts and jenny wrens.
2. U.S. A name for Herb Robert, Geranium Robertianum.
1890. in Cent. Dict.
