from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Grouse \Grouse\ (grous), n. sing. & pl. [Prob. after the analogy
of mouse, mice, fr. the earlier grice, OF. griesche meor hen:
cf. F. piegri[`e]che shrike.] (Zool.)
Any of the numerous species of gallinaceous birds of the
family {Tetraonid[ae]}, and subfamily {Tetraonin[ae]},
inhabiting Europe, Asia, and North America. They have plump
bodies, strong, well-feathered legs, and usually mottled
plumage. The group includes the ptarmigans ({Lagopus}),
having feathered feet.
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Note: Among the European species are the red grouse ({Lagopus
Scoticus}) and the hazel grouse ({Bonasa betulina}).
See {Capercaidzie}, {Ptarmigan}, and {Heath grouse}.
Among the most important American species are the
ruffed grouse, or New England partridge ({Bonasa
umbellus}); the sharp-tailed grouse ({Pedioc[ae]tes
phasianellus}) of the West; the dusky blue, or pine
grouse ({Dendragapus obscurus}) of the Rocky Mountains;
the Canada grouse, or spruce partridge ({D.
Canadensis}). See also {Prairie hen}, and {Sage cock}.
The Old World sand grouse ({Pterocles}, etc.) belong to
a very different family. See {Pterocletes}, and {Sand
grouse}.
[1913 Webster]
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Partridge \Par"tridge\ (p[aum]r"tr[i^]j), n. [OE. partriche,
pertriche, OF. pertris, perdriz, F. perdrix, L. perdix,
-icis, fr. Gr. pe`rdix.] (Zool.)
1. Any one of numerous species of small gallinaceous birds of
the genus {Perdix} and several related genera of the
family {Perdicid[ae]}, of the Old World. The partridge is
noted as a game bird.
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Full many a fat partrich had he in mew. --Chaucer.
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Note: The common European, or gray, partridge ({Perdix
cinerea}) and the red-legged partridge ({Caccabis
rubra}) of Southern Europe and Asia are well-known
species.
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2. Any one of several species of quail-like birds belonging
to {Colinus}, and allied genera. [U.S.]
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Note: Among them are the bobwhite ({Colinus Virginianus}) of
the Eastern States; the plumed, or mountain, partridge
({Oreortyx pictus}) of California; the Massena
partridge ({Cyrtonyx Montezum[ae]}); and the California
partridge ({Callipepla Californica}).
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3. The ruffed grouse ({Bonasa umbellus}). [New Eng.]
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{Bamboo partridge} (Zool.), a spurred partridge of the genus
{Bambusicola}. Several species are found in China and the
East Indies.
{Night partridge} (Zool.), the woodcock. [Local, U.S.]
{Painted partridge} (Zool.), a francolin of South Africa
({Francolinus pictus}).
{Partridge berry}. (Bot.)
(a) The scarlet berry of a trailing american plant
({Mitchella repens}) of the order {Rubiace[ae]},
having roundish evergreen leaves, and white fragrant
flowers sometimes tinged with purple, growing in pairs
with the ovaries united, and producing the berries
which remain over winter; also, the plant itself.
(b) The fruit of the creeping wintergreen ({Gaultheria
procumbens}); also, the plant itself.
{Partridge dove} (Zool.) Same as {Mountain witch}, under
{Mountain}.
{Partridge pea} (Bot.), a yellow-flowered leguminous herb
({Cassia Cham[ae]crista}), common in sandy fields in the
Eastern United States.
{Partridge shell} (Zool.), a large marine univalve shell
({Dolium perdix}), having colors variegated like those of
the partridge.
{Partridge wood}
(a) A variegated wood, much esteemed for cabinetwork. It
is obtained from tropical America, and one source of
it is said to be the leguminous tree {Andira inermis}.
Called also {pheasant wood}.
(b) A name sometimes given to the dark-colored and
striated wood of some kind of palm, which is used for
walking sticks and umbrella handles.
{Sea partridge} (Zool.), an Asiatic sand partridge
({Ammoperdix Bonhami}); -- so called from its note.
{Snow partridge} (Zool.), a large spurred partridge ({Lerwa
nivicola}) which inhabits the high mountains of Asia;
called also {jermoonal}.
{Spruce partridge}. See under {Spruce}.
{Wood partridge}, or {Hill partridge} (Zool.), any small
Asiatic partridge of the genus {Arboricola}.
[1913 Webster]