hawk1
n.
- a fast-flying bird of prey with broad rounded wings and a long tail, such as a sparrowhawk.
[Accipiter and other genera: many species.]
▸N. Amer. a buzzard or similar large bird of prey.
▸any bird used in falconry.
- a person who advocates an aggressive or warlike foreign policy.
- used in names of hawkmoths, e.g. eyed hawk.
v.
- hunt game with a trained hawk.
- (of a bird or dragonfly) hunt on the wing for food.
Derivative
- hawkish adj.
- hawkishly adv.
- hawkishness n.
Etymology
OE hafoc, heafoc, of Gmc origin.
hawk2
v.
carry about and offer (goods) for sale in the street.
Etymology
C15: prob. a back-form. from hawker1.
hawk3
v.
clear the throat noisily.
▸bring (phlegm) up from the throat.
Etymology
C16: prob. imitative.
hawk4
n.
a plasterer's square board with a handle underneath for carrying plaster or mortar.
Etymology
ME: of unknown origin.