E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pheasant.
So called from Phasis, a stream of the Black Sea.
1
“There was formerly at the fort of Poti a preserve of pheasants, which birds derive their European name from the river Phasis (the present Rion).”—Lieut.-General Monteith.
