Main Entry:

par·tridge

Pronunciation:

\ˈpär-trij, dialect 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]