Carrion — Defs

01 n. The dead and putrefying body or flesh of an animal; flesh so corrupted as to be unfit for food.

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.]

02 a. Of or pertaining to dead and putrefying carcasses; feeding on carrion.

1.
Of or pertaining to dead and putrefying carcasses; feeding on carrion.
“A prey for carrion kites.” — Shak.

Phrases & compounds

Carrion beetle — any beetle that feeds habitually on dead animals; -- also called sexton beetle and burying beetle. There are many kinds, belonging mostly to the family Silphidæ.

Carrion buzzard — a South American bird of several species and genera (as Ibycter, Milvago, and Polyborus), which act as scavengers. See Caracara.

Carrion crow — the common European crow (Corvus corone) which feeds on carrion, insects, fruits, and seeds.