Gorcock

/ˈɡɔːrkɒk/ noun

Definition

A red grouse, especially the male red grouse found in the British Isles.

Etymology

From Middle English 'gor' (possibly related to Old English 'gār,' spear, referring to the bird's sharp features) combined with 'cock' (male bird), literally 'spear-cock' or sharp-featured male bird.

Kelly Says

Gorcocks were so common in British hunting culture that they got their own specialized name—game bird terminology was as detailed as modern wine tasting vocabulary.

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