Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - partridge

 noun  (plural ~ or ~s)  Etymology: Middle English partrich, modification of Anglo-French perdriz, alteration of Old French perdix, from Latin perdic-, perdix, from Greek perdik-, perdix  Date: 14th century  1. any of various typically medium-sized stout-bodied Old World gallinaceous birds (Perdix, Alectoris, and related genera) with variegated plumage that are often hunted as game  2. any of various related birds (as the American ruffed grouse or bobwhite) resembling the Old World ~s in size, habits, or value as game