Ôr'to-lan, n.

n. [Fr. ortolan, It. ortolano, from Lat. hortulanus, from hortulus, diminutive of hortus, garden; so called because it frequents the hedges of gardens; N. Lat. Emberiza hortulana.] (Ornith.) A singing bird (Emberiza hortulana), about the size of the lark, with black wings. It is found in Europe, and is esteemed delicious food. The American species is the American rail, Rallus [or Porzana] Carolinensis.