Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Female fern \Female fern\ (Bot.),
   a common species of fern with large decompound fronds
   ({Asplenium Filixf[ae]mina}), growing in many countries; lady
   fern.

   Note: The names male fern and female fern were anciently
         given to two common ferns; but it is now understood
         that neither has any sexual character.

   Syn: {Female}, {Feminine}.

   Usage: We apply female to the sex or individual, as opposed
          to male; also, to the distinctive belongings of women;
          as, female dress, female form, female character, etc.;
          feminine, to things appropriate to, or affected by,
          women; as, feminine studies, employments,
          accomplishments, etc. ``Female applies to sex rather
          than gender, and is a physiological rather than a
          grammatical term. Feminine applies to gender rather
          than sex, and is grammatical rather than
          physiological.'' --Latham.