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