Definition of "partridge" in English

noun

1. (ornithology) Any bird of a number of genera in the family Phasianidae, notably in the genera Perdix and Alectoris.

   • On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me a partridge in a pear tree.

2. (uncountable) The flesh or meat of this bird eaten as food.

3. (obsolete, military) A type of cannon charge composed of several missiles fired all together, similar to langrage or case-shot. Also a large cannon that shoots stones.