I. ˈpär.trij, ˈpȧ.-, -rēj, chiefly dial & old-fash ˈpa.- noun
( -s ; see sense 1 )
Etymology: Middle English partrich, partrik, modification of Old French perdris, modification of Latin perdic-, perdix, from Greek perdik-, perdix; perhaps akin to Greek perdesthai to break wind; from the whirring sound of its wings as it takes flight — more at fart
1. or plural partridge
a. : any of various typically medium-sized stout-bodied Old World gallinaceous game birds of Perdix, Alectoris, and related genera that have variegated but not gaudily colored plumage, short wings and tail, and rather short legs and neck — see greek partridge , red-legged partridge
b. : any of numerous gallinaceous birds that are more or less like the Old World partridges in size, habits, or value as game:
(1) chiefly New England : ruffed grouse
(2) chiefly South & Midland : bobwhite
(3) : any of several gamebirds belonging to the same subfamily as the bobwhite — usually used with a qualifying term; see mountain partridge
(4) : any of various Asiatic birds (as a bamboo partridge, snow partridge, or hill partridge)
c. : any of several tinamous
d. Australia : button quail
2. : partridgewood
3. : raw umber 2
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partridge 1
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II. adjective
Usage: usually capitalized
: having a characteristic color pattern resembling that of a partridge — used especially of poultry
Partridge Wyandotte
Plymouth Rock with Partridge plumage