eagle

¹ea·gle

noun \ˈē-gəl\

Definition of EAGLE

1

: any of various large diurnal birds of prey (family Accipitridae) noted for their strength, size, keenness of vision, and powers of flight

2

a : the eagle-bearing standard of the ancient Romans

b : one of a pair of eagle-bearing silver insignia of rank worn by a military colonel or a navy captain

3

: a gold coin of the United States bearing an eagle on the reverse and usually having a value of ten dollars

4

: a golf score of two strokes less than par on a hole — compare birdie

5

capitalized [Fraternal Order of Eagles] : a member of a major fraternal order

Examples of EAGLE

1. She made an eagle on the fourth hole.
2. She made eagle on the fourth hole.

Origin of EAGLE

Middle English egle, from Anglo-French egle, aigle, from Latin aquila

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, hackle, ratite, rictus, ruff, skein, zygodactyl

Rhymes with EAGLE

beagle, legal, regal, Segal

²eagle

transitive verb

ea·gledea·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of EAGLE

: to score an eagle on (a golf hole)

Examples of EAGLE

1. She eagled the fourth hole.

First Known Use of EAGLE

1958

eagle

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) catching a fish.—© Mary Plage/Bruce Coleman Ltd.

Any of many large, heavy-beaked, big-footed birds of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae, found worldwide. Eagles are generally larger and more powerful than hawks and may resemble a vulture in build and flight characteristics, but they have a fully feathered (often crested) head and strong feet equipped with great curved talons. Most species subsist mainly on live prey, which they generally capture on the ground. Eagles have been a symbol of war and imperial power since Babylonian times. They mate for life. They nest in inaccessible places and use the same nest each year. Species vary from 24 in. to 3.3 ft (60 cm–1 m) long. The sea eagles include the bald eagle. See also golden eagle.