tiercel
/'tə:səl/ Cách viết khác : (tiercel) /'tə:səl/
Definition
Noun: - A male hawk, specifically a male peregrine falcon or gyrfalcon. The term is used in falconry to distinguish the male bird, which is typically smaller than the female.
Usage
The word "tiercel" is a specialized term used primarily in the context of falconry and ornithology. It specifically denotes the gender of certain birds of prey. - The falconer preferred to fly the tiercel because of its agility. - In many raptor species, the tiercel is about one-third smaller than the female.
Advanced Usage
- Etymology: The word originates from the Old French , meaning "a third," likely referring to the belief that the male was one-third smaller than the female or that only one in three eggs hatched a male.
- Specialized Context: The term is almost exclusively used by falconers, bird watchers, and in zoological texts. In general conversation, "male falcon" or "male hawk" is more common.
Variants and Related Words
- Tercel: An alternative spelling of "tiercel."
- Falcon: A general term for birds of prey in the genus , which includes peregrines and gyrfalcons.
- Gyrfalcon: A large falcon species (), where the male is called a tiercel gyrfalcon.
- Peregrine: A common falcon species (), where the male is called a tiercel peregrine.
Synonyms
- Male falcon: A more general descriptive term.
- Male hawk: A broader term that can apply to other species.
Related Phrases and Idioms
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs using the word "tiercel" due to its highly specialized nature.
Noun
-
male hawk especially male peregrine or gyrfalcon
