Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BITCH, n. [Sax. bicca, bicce, bice; Dan. bikke. Qu. Ger. betze; Basque, potzoa. This word probably signifies a female, for the French biche is a hind.]

1. The female of the canine kind, as of the dog, wolf and fox.
2. A name of reproach for a woman. – Pope. Arbuthnot.