Grouse Meaning and Definition
Grouse
Pronunciation
/ɡraʊs/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A grouse is a type of game bird belonging to the family Tetraonidae, characterized by stout bodies, strong legs, and a distinctive call. Grouse are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, moors, and tundras.
Examples
1. “The hunter carefully approached the grouse, trying not to scare it.”
2. “Grouse are an important food source for many predators, including hawks and owls.”
Synonyms
1. Ptarmigan
2. Partridge
Antonyms
1. Domesticated bird
2. Farm-raised poultry
Etymology
The word “grouse” is derived from the Old English word “grus,” which referred to a type of bird. The term has been used in English since the 14th century and has been influenced by other languages, including Middle Low German and French.
Usage Notes
The word “grouse” can be used in a variety of contexts, including biology, hunting, and ornithology. It is commonly used to refer to the bird itself, but it can also be used to describe the sound the bird makes.
Synonyms
The following words can be used as synonyms for “grouse:
1. Ptarmigan
2. Partridge
Cultural References
“The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge features a stanza that mentions “the grouse of the woods.”
Idiomatic Expressions
1. “Grouse like a fool”: This is an idiomatic expression that means to complain excessively or annoyingly.
Collocations
1. “Grouse shot”
2. “Grouse moors”
Frequency of Use
The word “grouse” is relatively infrequently used in modern language, especially in comparison to other terms for birds, such as “sparrow” or “swallow.”
Common Misspellings
The following are common misspellings or variations of the word “grouse:
1. Growse
2. Grus