francolin

[ frang-kuh-lin ]

noun

any of numerous Eurasian and African partridges of the genus Francolinus, having sharply spurred legs.

Origin of francolin

1585–95; <French <Italian francolino< ?

Words Nearby francolin

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use francolin in a sentence

One sort of francolin is still to be met with in the countries of Europe that border on the Mediterranean.
Little Folks | Various
On this trip we killed twelve pigs, a hundred and seven francolin, one lynx, and lots of cock and ducks.
Sketches From My Life | Hobart Pasha
The francolin, or bush pheasant, whirred up out of the tall tambuti grass one or two at a time.
In the Whirl of the Rising | Bertram Mitford
A beautiful variety of francolin is found in the South of China.
Reptiles and Birds | Louis Figuier
The runaway slave, whom you brand, is only a spotted francolin with us.
The Birds | Aristophanes

British Dictionary definitions for francolin

francolin

/ (ˈfræŋkəʊlɪn) /

noun

any African or Asian partridge of the genus Francolinus

Origin of francolin

C17: from French, from Old Italian francolino, of unknown origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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