falcon

fal-con · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A bird of prey with long pointed wings and a notched beak, known for its swift flight.

  2. 2.

    A female falcon, especially a peregrine used in falconry (as opposed to a male, called a tercel).

Forms

plural: falcons

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    falconry — the sport of hunting with falcons or other birds of prey
  • •
    watch like a falcon — to observe with intense concentration

Related words

See also: bird, eagle, hawk, raptor
Synonyms: hawk, raptor

Etymology

From Old French faucon, from Late Latin falco (genitive falconis), possibly derived from Latin falx meaning "sickle," referring to the bird's curved claws or beak shape.