/fez"euhnt/ , n.
1. any of numerous large, usually long-tailed, Old World gallinaceous birds of the family Phasianidae, widely introduced.
2. any of various other birds that resemble or suggest a pheasant.
3. Southern U.S. the ruffed grouse.
[ 1250-1300; ME fesaunt fesan phasianus phasianós ( órnis ) (bird) of the Phasis, river in the Caucasus ]