Definition of "partridge"

partridge

/ˈpɑːtɹɪd͡ʒ/

noun
plural partridges or partridge
1. (ornithology) Any bird of a number of genera in the family Phasianidae, notably in the genera Perdix and Alectoris.
  Quotations
  ...and the loudest sound in the lonely fields was when, adventuring too near some late brood, the partridge sought to deceive by a plaintive cry and seeming helplessness, crossing before your very feet, till, when drawn to a sufficient distance, suddenly the air vibrated to the flutter of her active pinions.
  1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XI, in Francesca Carrara. […], volume III, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), page 80
2. (obsolete, military) A type of cannon charge composed of several missiles fired all together, similar to langrage or case-shot. Also a large cannon that shoots stones.