n. A large grouse (Tetrao urogallus), native to northern Europe and having dark plumage and a fanlike tail. Also called wood grouse. [Scottish Gaelic capull coille, literally, “horse of the forest,” (in reference to its relatively large size) : capull, horse (from Middle Irish capall, from Old Irish, ultimately from Latin caballus; see CAVALIER) + coille, genitive of coille, forest (from Middle Irish (perhaps influenced by Middle Irish caílle, a kind of land division), from Old Irish).] |
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