Main Entry: ¹hawk

Pronunciation: \ˈhȯk\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English hauk, from Old English hafoc; akin to Old High German habuh hawk, Russian kobets a falcon

Date: before 12th century

1 : any of numerous diurnal birds of prey belonging to a suborder (Falcones of the order Falconiformes) and including all the smaller members of this group; especially : accipiter
2 : a small board or metal sheet with a handle on the underside used to hold mortar
3 : one who takes a militant attitude and advocates immediate vigorous action; especially : a supporter of a war or warlike policy — compare dove

— hawk·ish \ˈhȯ-kish\ adjective

— hawk·ish·ly adverb

— hawk·ish·ness noun