gallinaceous

[ gal-uh-ney-shuhs ]

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the group of mainly heavy-bodied, ground-feeding domestic and game birds that comprise the order Galliformes, which includes all species of chicken, turkey, grouse, pheasant, quail, and partridge.

gallinaceous

/ ˌɡælɪˈneɪʃəs /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Galliformes, an order of birds, including domestic fowl, pheasants, grouse, etc, having a heavy rounded body, short bill, and strong legs
2. of, relating to, or resembling the domestic fowl

Word History and Origins

Origin of gallinaceous¹

First recorded in 1775–85; from Latin gallīnāceus “pertaining to poultry,” equivalent to gallīn(a) “hen” (derivative of gallus “cock, rooster”) + -āceus adjective suffix; -aceous

Word History and Origins

Origin of gallinaceous¹

C18: from Latin gallīnāceus, from gallīna hen

Example Sentences

The gallinaceous birds include the large blue grouse of the coast, replaced in the Rocky Mountains by the dusky grouse.

From Project Gutenberg

It is certain that between Claudit and the gallinaceous tribe obscure affinities existed.

From Project Gutenberg

The grouse is a northern bird, extending into far colder regions than any other subfamily of the gallinaceous group.

From Project Gutenberg

Partridge, pr′trij, n. a genus of gallinaceous birds preserved for game.

From Project Gutenberg

Pheasant, fez′ant, n. a gallinaceous bird abundant in Britain, and highly valued as food.

From Project Gutenberg