n. [ Gael. tarmachan; cf. Ir. tarmochan, tarmonach. ] (Zool.) Any grouse of the genus
☞ They chiefly inhabit the northern countries and high mountains of Europe, Asia, and America. The common European species is Lagopus mutus. The Scotch grouse, red grouse, or moor fowl (Lagopus Scoticus), is reddish brown, and does not turn white in winter. The white, or willow, ptarmigan (Lagopus albus) is found in both Europe and America. [ 1913 Webster ]