bitch

Encyclopedia Article

Article

This term refers to female members of the family Canidae, including wolves, foxes, jackals, coyotes and domesticated dogs. This term first appeared in the 11th century; the Middle English form is bicche. The meaning of this word has been appropriated as an abusive term referring to difficult or spiteful women.

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"Female Dog Nursing Puppies" by Vermont Historical Society is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND.

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