Definition

any of various hawks trained for use in falconry
especially peregrine falcon —used technically only of a female
— compare tiercel
any of various hawks (family Falconidae) that have long pointed wings, a long tail, and a notched beak and that usually inhabit open areas

Illustration

falcon 1: 1 hood, 2 jess, 3 gauntlet

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology

Middle English faucoun, falcon, from Anglo-French faucon, from Late Latin falcon-, falco, probably from Latin falc-, falx

falcon

noun

fal·con

ˈfal-kən ˈfȯl- also ˈfȯ-kən

any of various hawks trained for use in falconry
especially peregrine falcon —used technically only of a female
— compare tiercel
any of various hawks (family Falconidae) that have long pointed wings, a long tail, and a notched beak and that usually inhabit open areas

Illustration

falcon 1: 1 hood, 2 jess, 3 gauntlet

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology

Middle English faucoun, falcon, from Anglo-French faucon, from Late Latin falcon-, falco, probably from Latin falc-, falx