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partridge

(Science: zoology)

1. Any one of numerous species of small gallinaceous birds of the genus perdix and several related genera of the family Perdicidae, of the old world. The partridge is noted as a game bird. Full many a fat partrich had he in mew. (Chaucer)

The common European, or gray, partridge (perdix cinerea) and the red-legged partridge (Caccabis rubra) of southern Europe and asia are well-known species.

2. Any one of several species of quail-like birds belonging to colinus, and allied genera.

Among them are the bobwhite (colinus Virginianus) of the Eastern states; the plumed, or mountain, partridge (Oreortyx pictus) of California; the Massena partridge (Cyrtonyx Montezumae); and the California partridge (Callipepla Californica).

3. The ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus). Bamboo partridge, a francolin of south Africa (Francolinus pictus). Partridge berry.

(Science: botany) Any small Asiatic partridge of the genus Arboricola.

Origin: OE. Partriche, pertriche, OF. Pertris, perdriz, F. Perdrix, L. Perdix, -icis, fr. Gr.