from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
ostrich \os"trich\ ([o^]s"trich), n. [OE. ostriche, ostrice, OF.
ostruche, ostruce, F. autruche, L. avis struthio; avis bird +
struthio ostrich, fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? bird, sparrow. Cf.
{Aviary}, {Struthious}.] [Formerly written also {estrich}.]
(Zool.)
A large bird of the genus {Struthio}, of which {Struthio
camelus} of Africa is the best known species. It has long and
very strong legs, adapted for rapid running; only two toes; a
long neck, nearly bare of feathers; and short wings incapable
of flight. The adult male is about eight feet high.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The South African ostrich ({Struthio australis}) and
the Asiatic ostrich are considered distinct species by
some authors. Ostriches are now domesticated in South
Africa in large numbers for the sake of their plumes.
The body of the male is covered with elegant black
plumose feathers, while the wings and tail furnish the
most valuable white plumes.
[1913 Webster]
{Ostrich farm}, a farm on which ostriches are bred for the
sake of their feathers, oil, eggs, etc.
{Ostrich farming}, the occupation of breeding ostriches for
the sake of their feathers, etc.
{Ostrich fern} (Bot.) a kind of fern ({Onoclea
Struthiopteris}), the tall fronds of which grow in a
circle from the rootstock. It is found in alluvial soil in
Europe and North America.
[1913 Webster]