Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Migratory, wandering: Describes something or someone that travels from place to place, often over long distances. It implies a lack of permanent settlement.
   • Foreign, coming from abroad: (Archaic) Describes something originating from or characteristic of a foreign country.

2. Noun:

   • A type of falcon: Refers to a specific, widely distributed bird of prey (Falco peregrinus), historically used in the sport of falconry. It is known for its speed and migratory habits.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The peregrine tribes moved with the seasons in search of grazing land. (The wandering tribes moved with the seasons in search of grazing land.)
  • (Archaic) He collected peregrine artifacts from his travels across the continent. (He collected foreign artifacts from his travels across the continent.)

• Noun:

  • We watched a peregrine dive at incredible speed to catch its prey. (We watched a peregrine falcon dive at incredible speed to catch its prey.)
  • In medieval times, only nobility could own a peregrine for hunting. (In medieval times, only nobility could own a peregrine falcon for hunting.)

Advanced Usage

• "Peregrine" as an adjective is now somewhat literary or specialized. In modern contexts, "migratory," "nomadic," or "wandering" are more common. The archaic sense of "foreign" is rarely used.
  • She led a peregrine life, never staying in one city for more than a year. (She led a wandering life, never staying in one city for more than a year.)

Variants and Related Words

• Peregrination (n): A long journey, especially one made on foot. This noun is directly related to the wandering sense of the adjective.
  • His book details his peregrinations across Asia.
• Peregrine Falcon (n): The full, most common name for the bird. This is a compound term where "peregrine" specifically modifies "falcon."

Synonyms

• Adjective (for "wandering"): Nomadic, migratory, itinerant, roving.
• Noun (for the bird): Peregrine falcon, duck hawk (North American).

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Peregrine journey/life: A life or journey characterized by much travel.
  • The writer's peregrine life provided rich material for her novels.
• Sight a peregrine: A phrase used in birdwatching to indicate observing this specific falcon.
  • We were lucky to sight a peregrine perched on the cliff edge.

Adjective

1. migratory
   • a restless mobile society
   • the nomadic habits of the Bedouins
   • believed the profession of a peregrine typist would have a happy future
   • wandering tribes

Noun

1. a widely distributed falcon formerly used in falconry