peregrine falcon

peregrine falcon

noun

Definition of PEREGRINE FALCON

: a swift nearly cosmopolitan falcon (Falco peregrinus) often used in falconry —called also peregrine

Illustration of PEREGRINE FALCON

Origin of PEREGRINE FALCON

Middle English faukon peregryn, from Medieval Latin falco peregrinus, literally, pilgrim falcon; from the young being captured wandering from their nests, which were too inaccessible to reach easily

First Known Use: 14th century