broody

Etymology

From Middle English *brody, *brodi, from Old English brōdiġ (“broody”), equivalent to brood + -y. Cognate with German brütig (“broody”).

noun

1. A female bird in the condition to incubate eggs; a broody hen, duck, etc.
   There are six broodies in that coop.

adj

1. Of birds: sitting persistently and protectively on a nest, in order to hatch eggs.
   a broody hen
2. Of any creature or person: showing an interest in raising young.
   “Clayton's getting so broody. This might help put things into perspective for him. I want a family, but I need to establish my career first." "I'm not in a rush," Clayton countered. "You practically teared up at the sight of Serena's tiny socks the other day. You've got baby fever bad." 2017-12-14, Julia Sykes, Nice and Naughty: A Christmas Collection, Julia Sykes
3. Brooding, dwelling upon one's thoughts; moody.
   Then, with unshorn beard and matted hair tangled with straw, his clothes smeared with slime of obscene things which are begotten of damp and darkness, his thoughts broody with wrath and revenge, Kynon was marched through the streets[…] 1875, Thomas Burnside Crowther, Anderida: Or, the Briton and the Saxon, A.D. CCCCXLI., page 195
   He didn't even give me one of his broody looks that gave nothing away about his thoughts at all (except the fact he was broody). He gave me a look I'd never seen on him before. A remorseful one. 2020-03-10, Kristen Ashley, Mathlida, Superwitch Rise of the Dark Lord, Rock Chick LLC
   Peter's doubt in his own leadership grew like fungus on his thoughts. He became broody and snapped at people. He was finding himself more and more behind a closed door. He just needed a break. 2020-08-01, Zoë Routh, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An Advanced Handbook for Leadership, Inner Compass Australia
   He could be a little broody at times, especially when his thoughts were focused on school, class, a project, or hunting. That's just the way he was. 2022-02-25, Robert Hugh Williams, A Yooper's Tale: Death by Wendigo, Page Publishing Inc
4. Gloomy.
   Broody clouds hung low against the water. None of this bothered the jBoat sailors, whose nimble craft challenged devilish winds and currents. A pod of twenty-two footers raced and frolicked like ten-year-olds on skateboards. 2003 08, Sabra Morgan, The Majesty of Trees, iUniverse, page 104
   The contrast between broody clouds and condensed sky was startling. Fenn stepped off the path into rough grass to get near one of the church windows and, cupping a hand between brow and glass, peered in. There was an unappealing gloom[…] 2011-05-11, James Herbert, Shrine: Now a Major Film Called The Unholy – the Novel Is Even More Terrifying, Pan Macmillan
   Nature's suffering under human translation wilful damage ferments the ponds that emerge as broody clouds desperate to sprinkle liquid stardust but their warmth now annexed from holy light on a life form so disassociated from its heaven[…] 2014-11-11, Shé Hawke, Aquamorphia: falling for water, Interactive Publications Pty Ltd, page 43
   As the sky darkened more, the wind was rising and there were shafts of sunlight stabbing down from the broody clouds, painting silver swords on patches of the sea. Joe cut his engine and turned his boat sideways, till he smacked up[…] 2019-10-12, Lesley Choyce, Broken Man on a Halifax Pier, Dundurn, page 160
   The sky was dark and broody, which matched his thoughts perfectly. He'd simply explain to his mother that no one was willing to give him a chance, so she'd understand that he was unmatchable and he'd be able to start looking for a[…] 2020-06-09, Vannetta Chapman, Dana R. Lynn, A Perfect Amish Match and Amish Haven, Harlequin