Virginia deer

American  

noun

1. the common white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, of eastern North America.

2. any related variety of white-tailed deer.

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Virginia deer British  

noun

1. another name for white-tailed deer

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Etymology

Origin of Virginia deer

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Virginia deer

Of these the Virginia deer is best known, as its range embraces the most thickly settled portion of the continent between Maine and the Gulf States, and from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains.

From North America by Russell, Israel C. (Cook)

The Virginia deer is said by the hunters to evince a strong degree of animosity towards serpents, and especially to the rattlesnake.

From Illustrative Anecdotes of the Animal Kingdom by Goodrich, Samuel G. (Samuel Griswold)

It was of a very dark, almost black, colour, much larger than a Virginia deer, and more lightly built, with a longer black scut.

From The Backwoodsman or, Life on the Indian Frontier by Various

Virginia deer are polygamous, like cattle; the rutting season is in November; the period of gestation is about seven months, and the fawns are born in May or June.

From Fur Farming A book of Information about Fur Bearing Animals, Enclosures, Habits, Care, etc. by Harding, A. R. (Arthur Robert)

The pelage of the young guanaco is a soft and beautiful fur—red on the back, like that of a Virginia deer, and shading into pure white underneath.

From The Gold Diggings of Cape Horn A Study of Life in Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia by Spears, John R.