raptorial Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective relating to or characteristic of birds of prey
    • raptorial claws and bill for seizing prey
  2. adjective satellite living by preying on other animals especially by catching living prey
    rapacious; vulturous; vulturine; ravening; predatory.
    • a predatory bird
    • the rapacious wolf
    • raptorial birds
    • ravening wolves
    • a vulturine taste for offal

WordNet

Rap*to"ri*al adjective
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) (a) Rapacious; living upon prey; -- said especially of certain birds. (b) Adapted for seizing prey; -- said of the legs, claws, etc., of insects, birds, and other animals. (c) Of or pertaining to the Raptores. See Illust. (f) of Aves.

Webster 1913