Pheasant
/ˈfɛz.ənt/noun
A medium-sized game bird, especially one with a long tail and bright plumage.
Did you know?The name ultimately comes from Greek Phasinianos, meaning “bird of the Phasis,” referring to the Phasis River region in ancient Colchis, the same mythic edge of the world tied to Jason and the Golden Fleece.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
phasinos / phasianos
“A bird associated with the Phasis River”
Late Latin
Latin
phasianus
“A pheasant”
Old French
Old French
faisan
“Pheasant”
Middle English
English
fesaunt
“A pheasant”
Modern English
English
pheasant
“A pheasant”
Explore more surprising origins