harrier Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a persistent attacker
    harasser.
    • the harassers were not members of the regular army
  2. noun a hound that resembles a foxhound but is smaller; used to hunt rabbits
  3. noun hawks that hunt over meadows and marshes and prey on small terrestrial animals

WordNet

Har"ri*er noun
Etymology
From Hare, n.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) One of a small breed of hounds, used for hunting hares. Written also harier.
Har"ri*er noun
Etymology
From Harry.
Definitions
  1. One who harries.
  2. (Zoöl.) One of several species of hawks or buzzards of the genus Circus which fly low and harry small animals or birds, -- as the European marsh harrier (Circus ærunginosus), and the hen harrier (C. cyaneus).

Webster 1913