kestrel

views updated Jun 11 2018

kes·trel / ˈkestrəl/ • n. a small falcon (genus Falco) that hovers with rapidly beating wings while searching for prey on the ground. Several species include the common kestrel (F. tinnunculus) of Eurasia and Africa, and the American kestrel (F. sparverius).

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

kestrel

views updated Jun 27 2018

kestrel (windhover) Small falcon that lives mainly in Europe, and hovers over its prey before attacking. It feeds mainly on rodents, insects and small birds. Length: 30cm (12in). Species Falco tinnunculus.

World Encyclopedia

kestrel

views updated May 11 2018

kestrel XV. Earliest form castrell, perh. for *casserell — dial. var. casserelle of F. crécerelle, †cresserelle, f. synon. crécelle rattle, kestrel, perh. ult. of imit. orig.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

kestrel

views updated May 29 2018

kestrel figuratively (in archaic use), a contemptible person. In falconry, a kestrel is traditionally the bird flown by a knave.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

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