Main Entry: par·tridge

Pronunciation: \ˈpär-trij, dial ˈpa-trij\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural partridge or par·tridg·es

Etymology: Middle English partrich, modification of Anglo-French perdriz, alteration of Old French perdix, from Latin perdic-, perdix, from Greek perdik-, perdix

Date: 14th century

1 : any of various typically medium-sized stout-bodied Old World gallinaceous birds (Perdix, Alectoris, and related genera) with variegated plumage that are often hunted as game
2 : any of various related birds (as the American ruffed grouse or bobwhite) resembling the Old World partridges in size, habits, or value as game

[partridge illustration]