par·tridge
Pronunciation: 'pär-trij, dial 'pa-trij
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural partridge or par·tridg·es
Etymology: Middle English partrich, modification of Old French perdris, modification of Latin perdic-, perdix, from Greek perdik-, perdix
Date: 14th century
1 : any of various typically medium-sized stout-bodied Old World gallinaceous game birds (Perdix, Alectoris, and related genera) with variegated plumage
2 : any of numerous gallinaceous birds (as the American ruffed grouse or bobwhite) somewhat like the Old World partridges in size, habits, or value as game