Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, black Old World grouse: "horse of the wood" is a common name for a specific, large, dark-colored bird of the grouse family, native to forests of Europe and parts of Asia. It is known for its distinctive size and coloration.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We were lucky to spot a rare horse of the wood during our hike in the Scottish Highlands.
  • The horse of the wood is known for its elusive nature and deep forest habitat.

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in historical, literary, or regional contexts, particularly in the British Isles, to refer to this specific bird. In modern ornithology, the species is more commonly referred to by its standard name, the capercaillie.
  • In the old hunting text, the bird was referred to poetically as the 'horse of the wood'.

Variants and Related Words

• Capercaillie (n): The standard modern English name for the same bird species ().
  • The capercaillie is the largest member of the grouse family.
• Wood grouse (n): Another common name for the same species.
  • The wood grouse is a symbol of the ancient pine forests.

Synonyms

• Capercaillie: The primary synonym and the standard biological name.
• Wood grouse: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its forest habitat.

Notes on Meaning

• The phrase "horse of the wood" is a compound noun functioning as a single, fixed name for the bird. It is not typically broken down to analyze the meanings of "horse" and "wood" separately in this context. The name likely originates from the bird's large size ("horse") and its forest dwelling ("of the wood").

Noun

1. large black Old World grouse