Falcon

Falcon Fal"con, n. [OE. faucon, faucoun, OF. faucon, falcon, ?. faucon, fr. LL. falco, perh. from L. falx, falcis, a sickle or scythe, and named from its curving talons. Cf. {Falchion}.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) (a) One of a family ({Falconid[ae]}) of raptorial birds, characterized by a short, hooked beak, strong claws, and powerful flight. (b) Any species of the genus {Falco}, distinguished by having a toothlike lobe on the upper mandible; especially, one of this genus trained to the pursuit of other birds, or game. [1913 Webster]

In the language of falconry, the female peregrine ({Falco peregrinus}) is exclusively called the falcon. --Yarrell. [1913 Webster]

2. (Gun.) An ancient form of cannon. [1913 Webster]

{Chanting falcon}. (Zo["o]l.) See under {Chanting}. [1913 Webster]