partridge
par.tridge \'pa:r-trij, dial or archaic 'pa-trij\ n or partridge or par.tridg.es [ME partrich, modif. of OF perdris, modif. of L perdic-, p] pl erdix, fr. Gk perdik-, perdix 1: any of various typically medium-sized stout-bodied Old World gallinaceou s game birds (Perdix, Alectoris, and related genera) with variegated plumage 2: any of numerous gallinaceous birds (as the American ruffed grouse or bob white) more or less like the Old World partridges in size, habits, or value as game
Webster's English Dictionary