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chicken colonel

noun

Word History

Etymology

from the eagle serving as insignia of the rank

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chicken colonel was in 1918

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Cite this Entry

“Chicken colonel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chicken%20colonel. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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