Main Entry: pheas·ant

Pronunciation: \ˈfe-z^ənt\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural pheasant or pheasants

Etymology: Middle English fesaunt, from Anglo-French fesant, faisan, from Latin phasianus, from Greek (ornis) phasianos, from phasianos of the Phasis River, from Phasis, river in Colchis

Date: 13th century

1 : any of numerous large often long-tailed and brightly colored Old World gallinaceous birds (Phasianus and related genera of the family Phasianidae) including many raised as ornamental or game birds — compare ring-necked pheasant
2 : any of various birds resembling a pheasant