covey
/'kʌvi/
Definition
Noun: 1. A small flock of game birds, especially grouse or partridges: This is the primary ornithological meaning, referring specifically to a family group of these ground-nesting birds. 2. A small group or collection of people or things: This is a more general, often slightly informal or literary, extension of the first meaning, used to describe a small, close-knit group.
Usage and Examples
- Noun (flock of birds):
- The hunter spotted a covey of quail in the underbrush.
- A covey of partridges burst from the field, startling the hikers.
- Noun (group of people/things):
- A covey of journalists surrounded the politician.
- She brought out a covey of antique teacups for us to admire.
Advanced Usage
- The word often carries a connotation of the group being gathered closely together, whether for protection (like birds) or shared interest (like people).
- It is sometimes used humorously or affectionately to describe a group, especially of women or children.
- My grandmother and her covey of friends meet for bridge every Tuesday.
Variants and Related Words
- Covey is primarily used as a noun. There is no direct verb form.
- Related collective nouns for animals: (birds, sheep), (cattle, elephants), (wolves, dogs), (young birds).
Synonyms
- For a group of birds: brood, flock, bevy.
- For a group of people/things: group, cluster, collection, set, clutch, bevy.
Notes on Different Meanings
The two main meanings are closely related through the concept of "a small, tight-knit group." The first meaning (birds) is specific and literal. The second meaning (people/things) is a metaphorical extension, applying the imagery of a bird family to human or inanimate groupings.
Noun
-
a small flock of grouse or partridge
-
a small collection of people
