pheasant

[fez-uhnt]

noun

1. any of numerous large, usually long-tailed, Old World gallinaceous birds of the family Phasianidae, widely introduced.

2. any of various other birds that resemble or suggest a pheasant.

3. Southern U.S.,  the ruffed grouse.

pheasant

/ ˈfɛzənt /

noun

1. any of various long-tailed gallinaceous birds of the family Phasianidae, esp Phasianus colchicus ( ring-necked pheasant ), having a brightly-coloured plumage in the male: native to Asia but introduced elsewhere

2. any of various other gallinaceous birds of the family Phasianidae, including the quails and partridges

3. any of several other gallinaceous birds, esp the ruffed grouse

Word History and Origins

Origin of pheasant¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English fesaunt, from Anglo-French; Old French fesan, from Latin phāsiānus, from Greek phāsiānós (órnis) “(bird) of the Phasis,” a river in the Caucasus

Word History and Origins

Origin of pheasant¹

C13: from Old French fesan, from Latin phāsiānus, from Greek phasianos ornis Phasian bird, named after the River Phasis, in Colchis

Example Sentences

A flock of furious pheasants was blocking the tracks and stubbornly refused to move.

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Judge Pax Ashton, pecked to death by furious pheasants.

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“Pecked to death by murderous pheasants,” Fredrick mumbled, his mouth full of turnips.

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He was also introduced to such nonthreatening species as pheasants, pigs, and sheep and trained to recognize other pandas as his own kind.

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Schwarzman, who usually arrives by helicopter, also bought the farm next door to host pheasant and partridge shoots.

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Related Words

• chicken 
• duck 
• fowl 
• geese 
• pigeon