PARTRIDGE

noun (plural ~ or ~s) 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 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, any of various related birds (as the American ruffed grouse or bobwhite) resembling the Old World ~s in size, habits, or value as game