OSTRICHES
Noun
ostriches
plural of ostrich
Anagrams
• trichoses
Source: Wiktionary
OSTRICH
Os"trich, n. Etym: [OE. ostriche, ostrice, OF. ostruche, ostruce, F.
autruche, L. avis struthio; avis bird + struthio ostrich, fr. Gr.
Aviary, Struthious.] [Formerly written also estrich.] (Zoöl.)
Definition: A large bird of the genus Struthio, of which Struthio camelus
of Africa is the best known species. It has long and very strong
legs, adapted for rapid running; only two toes; a long neck, nearly
bare of feathers; and short wings incapable of flight. The adult male
is about eight feet high.
Note: The South African ostrich (Struthio australis) and the Asiatic
ostrich are considered distinct species by some authors. Ostriches
are now domesticated in South Africa in large numbers for the sake of
their plumes. The body of the male is covered with elegant black
plumose feathers, while the wings and tail furnish the most valuable
white plumes. Ostrich farm, a farm on which ostriches are bred for
the sake of their feathers, oil, eggs, etc.
– Ostrich farming, the occupation of breeding ostriches for the
sake of their feathers, etc.
– Ostrich fern (Bot.) a kind of fern (Onoclea Struthiopteris), the
tall fronds of which grow in a circle from the rootstock. It is found
in alluvial soil in Europe and North America.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition