1 : any of numerous small domestic fowls that are often miniatures of members of the standard breeds. 2 : a person of diminutive stature and often combative disposition.

Where does the term bantam come from?

Etymology. The word bantam derives from the name of the seaport city of Bantam in western Java, Indonesia. European sailors restocking on live fowl for sea journeys found the small native breeds of chicken in Southeast Asia to be useful, and any such small poultry came to be known as a bantam.

Does bantam mean little?

a small and feisty or quarrelsome person. diminutive; tiny: bantam editions of the classics.