noun
covey
KUV-ee/ˈkʌvi/
A small group, especially of game birds.
A covey of quail walks closely together through the meadow grass.
Etymology
The original “brood” or “hatching” sense groups birds by their shared beginning. This underlies the English meaning of a small flock, especially of partridges or similar birds.
In context
seen a covey of pheasants in the wood.
More examples
- The dog startled a covey of partridges.
- Two coveys gather near the edge of the field.
- A covey of reporters waits outside the courthouse.
Forms
covey · coveys