Kestrel Definition
kĕstrəl
kestrels
noun
kestrels
A small falcon (Falco sparverius) found throughout the Americas, having vertical black stripes under the eyes and characteristically hovering over fields to hunt.
American Heritage
Either of two small, reddish-gray European falcons (Falco tinnunculus or F. naumanni) that can hover in the air.
Webster's New World
Webster's New World
Any of various similar falcons of the genus Falco that hover when hunting.
American Heritage
Other Word Forms of Kestrel
Noun
Singular:
kestrel
Plural:
kestrelsOrigin of Kestrel
-
From Middle English castrel (“staniel, bird of prey”), from Middle French cresserelle, crecerelle (“bird of prey”), derivative of crecelle (“rattle, wooden reel”), of obscure origin.
From Wiktionary
Probably from obsolete French cresserelle from Old French cresserele probably from cresselle clacker, kestrel
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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