Final answer:
The term 'a chicken' used in the context of describing a person means 'C) A fearful or cowardly person'. This is a colloquial use of the word that is disconnected from the actual bird and its roles in agriculture and culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'a chicken (coward)' refers to C) A fearful or cowardly person. In English, 'chicken' can colloquially be used to describe someone who is afraid to do something, suggesting a lack of courage. Historically, chickens have been domesticated for their meat and eggs, and though they serve various roles in human agriculture and culture, being called 'a chicken' in this context has nothing to do with their agricultural value or biological characteristics. Instead, it's rooted in the stereotype that chickens are skittish or easily frightened animals.