释义 |
par·tridge 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 [partridge 1] 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 > |