1. Plural of ortolan; small European songbirds (genus Emberiza) prized as a delicacy in French cuisine, traditionally eaten whole.
Usage: Culinary term; Often used in historical or European contexts

Examples

• Ortolans were considered a luxury dish in 18th-century France.
• The chef prepared ortolans according to traditional recipes.
• Hunting ortolans for food has become controversial due to animal welfare concerns.
• Medieval banquets sometimes featured ortolans as a rare delicacy.
• The restaurant's menu included ortolans as a specialty item.