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DictionarypartridgeGame bird
noun

partridge

PAR-trij/ˈpɑːrtrɪdʒ/

A small, plump game bird with a short tail.

The partridge stands low to the ground with its short tail visible.

A single gray partridge in three-quarter side view, clearly showing its small rounded body, short tail, small head, and ground-dwelling stance.
Etymology
partridgeGreekpartridge

Greek perdix probably connects with perdesthai, “to break wind,” referring to the whirring noise of the bird’s wings. The suggested naming image is its sound, rather than its shape.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain267:23
presently a partridge flew up with a noise like a police Rattle and Lord Peter accounted for it very creditably
1920s Mystery Audiobook • Dorothy L. Sayers - Whose Body?

More examples

  • A pair of partridges crossed the field.
  • The partridge vanished into the grass.
  • We heard a partridge calling near the hedge.

Forms

partridge · partridges