aerie Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the lofty nest of a bird of prey (such as a hawk or eagle)
    eyrie; aery; eyry.
  2. noun any habitation at a high altitude
    eyrie; aery; eyry.

WordNet

Ae"rie noun
Etymology
OE. aire, eire, air, nest, also origin, descent, OF. aire, LL. area, aera, nest of a bird of prey, perh. fr. L. area an open space (for birds of prey like to build their nests on flat and open spaces on the top of high rocks). Cf. Area.
Definitions
  1. The nest of a bird of prey, as of an eagle or hawk; also a brood of such birds; eyrie. Shak. Also fig.: A human residence or resting place perched like an eagle's nest.

Webster 1913