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 tiercel
2 : 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]