Wiktionary
n. 1 A bird that is unable to fly due to one or both of its wings being broken. 2 (context aviation English) An unflyable aircraft, particularly one that has been grounded or downed. 3 (context figuratively English) A troubled or emotionally fragile person, especially one suffering the aftereffects of a personal trauma.
Usage examples of "broken bird".
Allart looked at the fire and the broken bird still squirming with dreadful pseudo-life as he came near.
Clutching the broken bird to his breast, he plummeted in a clockwise spin toward the beach.
The problem with pinning broken bird bones is that they're hollow and metal pins can't hold them together.
His rescue radio was in a pants pocket, and he'd activate it as soon as he got away from his broken bird.
Okay, there had been some savage mistakes in the past, and this poor broken bird was a symbol of them.
Around and around the little broken bird went, endlessly circling.