Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun, plural bev·ies.
- a group of birds, as larks or quail, or animals, as roebuck, in close association.
- a large group or collection: a bevy of boisterous sailors.
noun plural bevies
- a flock of quails
- a group, esp of girls
- a group of roedeer
early 15c., collective noun of quails and ladies, from Anglo-French bevée, of unknown origin. One supposed definition of the word is “a drinking bout,” but this is perhaps a misprint of bever, from Old French beivre (see beverage). Still, it’s possible that the original sense could be a company of birds gathered at a puddle or pool for drinking or bathing.