francolin

[Dimin. of Port. frango =a hen.] Ornithology: 1. Gen.: The genus Francolin us (q. v.). 2. Spec.: The Common Francolin ( Francolin us vulgar is). It is found in the south of Europe, in Malta and Sicily, in Asia, and in the north of Africa, feeding, like the common partridges, on insects and seeds. Its flesh is highly esteemed for food. It has a peculiarly loud whistle. frăn-cô-li-nus, s. [FRANCOLIN.] Ornithol.: A genus of Perdicide (Partridges). [FRANCOLIN.]