Main Entry:

fal·con

Pronunciation:

\ˈfal-kən, ˈfȯl- also ˈfȯ-kən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English faucoun, falcon, from Anglo-French faucon, from Late Latin falcon-, falco, probably from Latin falc-, falx

Date:

13th century

1: any of various hawks trained for use in falconry ; especially : peregrine falcon —used technically only of a female — compare tiercel2: any of various hawks (family Falconidae) that have long pointed wings, a long tail, and a notched beak and that usually inhabit open areas

[falcon illustration]