falcon Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun diurnal birds of prey having long pointed powerful wings adapted for swift flight
  2. verb hunt with falcons
    • The tribes like to falcon in the desert

WordNet

Fal"con noun
Etymology
OE. faucon, faucoun, OF. faucon, falcon, . faucon, fr. LL. falco, perh. from L. falx, falcis, a sickle or scythe, and named from its curving talons. Cf. Falchion.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) (a) One of a family (Falconidæ) of raptorial birds, characterized by a short, hooked beak, strong claws, and powerful flight. (b) Any species of the genus Falco, distinguished by having a toothlike lobe on the upper mandible; especially, one of this genus trained to the pursuit of other birds, or game.
    In the language of falconry, the female peregrine (Falco peregrinus) is exclusively called the falcon. Yarrell.
  2. (Gun.) An ancient form of cannon.

Webster 1913