jenny wren

plural jenny wrens

1. UKThe wren, Troglodytes troglodytes, especially as considered (in nursery-rhymes, etc.) as the wife or sweetheart of robin redbreast.

   There would have been no one to superintend him, except a squirrel perhaps or a jenny wren, at which he might have winked.

   1955, Robin Jenkins, The Cone-Gatherers, Canongate, published 2012, page 75

2. Australiaa female blue wren, or a male blue wren in non-breeding plumage.

   Female Superb Blue Wrens lack the bold pattern and colour of the male. They are often referred to by the common name of "Jenny-wren".

   1975, Malcolm McNaughton, Australian Birdlife Illustrated, page 50

   1 more example

   But Rogers had married beneath him, and the sight of the pursy upstart [...] sitting there, in satin and feathers, lording it over his own little Jenny Wren, was more than Mahony could tolerate.

   1917, Henry Handel Richardson, chapter 6, in Australia Felix, page 115

3. USSynonym of herb Robert.

   Synonyms: herb Robert