carrion Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the dead and rotting body of an animal; unfit for human food

WordNet

Car"ri*on noun
Etymology
OE. caroyne, OF. caroigne, F. charogne, LL. caronia, fr. L. caro flesh Cf. Crone, Crony.
Definitions
  1. The dead and putrefying body or flesh of an animal; flesh so corrupted as to be unfit for food.
    They did eat the dead carrions. Spenser.
  2. A contemptible or worthless person; -- a term of reproach. Obs. "Old feeble carrions." Shak.
Car"ri*on adjective
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to dead and putrefying carcasses; feeding on carrion.
    A prey for carrion kites. Shak.

Webster 1913