Partridge

Quick meaning: Partridge is a noun meaning (ornithology) Any bird of a number of genera in the family Phasianidae, notably in the genera Perdix and Alectoris.

Meaning

(ornithology) Any bird of a number of genera in the family Phasianidae, notably in the genera Perdix and Alectoris.

More Meanings

1. (uncountable) The flesh or meat of this bird eaten as food.
2. (obsolete, military) A type of cannon charge composed of several missiles fired all together, similar to langrage or case-shot. Also a large cannon that shoots stones.

Example Sentences

On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me a partridge in a pear tree.

...and the loudest sound in the lonely fields was when, adventuring too near some late brood, the partridge sought to deceive by a plaintive cry and seeming helplessness, crossing before your very feet, till, when drawn to a sufficient distance, suddenly the air vibrated to the flutter of her active pinions.

Word Forms

• partridges

Synonyms for partridge

Depending on context, synonyms include tinamou, bobwhite.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include bobwhite, tinamou, chukar, berry, quail, grouse.

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