falcon
Pronunciation: /ˈfɔː(l)k(ə)n, ˈfɒlk(ə)n/
noun
- a diurnal bird of prey with long pointed wings and a notched beak, typically catching prey by diving on it from above. Compare with hawk1 (sense 1 of the noun)
- Family Falconidae, in particular the genus Falco: many species, including the peregrine, hobby, merlin, and kestrel
- Falconry a female falcon, especially a peregrine. Compare with tercel
Origin:
Middle English faucon (originally denoting any diurnal bird of prey used in falconry): from Old French, from late Latin falco, from Latin falx, falc- 'sickle', or of Germanic origin and related to Dutch valk and German Falke. The -l- was added in the 15th century to conform with the Latin spelling