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

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 A. R. (Arthur Robert) Harding

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 John R. Spears

The Biological Survey has reports of successful experience in raising Virginia deer from more than a dozen persons, located in different parts of the country, who are now engaged in the business.

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

The chamois, the ibex, the red deer, the Virginia deer, the wapiti, the gour, or the royal tiger may be the game in hand.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 15, No. 85, January, 1875 by Various

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 Samuel G. (Samuel Griswold) Goodrich