Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Grouse
Grouse
(grous)
, Noun.
sing.
& pl.
[Prob. after the analogy of mouse, mice, fr. the earlier
grice
, OF. griesche
meor hen: cf. F. piegrièche
shrike.] (Zool.)
Any of the numerous species of gallinaceous birds of the family
Tetraonidæ
, and subfamily Tetraoninæ
, inhabiting Europe, Asia, and North America. They have plump bodies, strong, well-feathered legs, and usually mottled plumage. The group includes the ptarmigans (Lagopus
), having feathered feet. ☞ Among the European species are the red grouse (
Lagopus Scoticus
) and the hazel grouse (Bonasa betulina
). See Capercaidzie
, Ptarmigan
, and Heath grouse
. Among the most important American species are the ruffed grouse, or New England partridge (Bonasa umbellus
); the sharp-tailed grouse (Pediocætes phasianellus
) of the West; the dusky blue, or pine grouse (Dendragapus obscurus
) of the Rocky Mountains; the Canada grouse, or spruce partridge (D. Canadensis
). See also Prairie hen
, and Sage cock
. The Old World sand grouse (Pterocles
, etc.) belong to a very different family. See Pterocletes
, and Sand grouse
. Grouse
,Verb.
I.
1.
To seek or shoot grouse.