English Language Words and Idioms Derived From Falconry
These English language words and idioms are derived from falconry:
| Expression | Meaning in falconry | Derived meaning |
|---|---|---|
| in a bate | bating: trying to fly off when tethered | in a panic |
| with bated breath | bated: tethered, unable to fly free | restrained and focused by expectation |
| fed up | of a hawk, with its crop full and so not wanting to hunt | no longer interested in something |
| Hawked it up | The sound of a hawk expelling the indigestible parts of a meal | Clearing phlegm from the throat |
| haggard | of a hawk, caught from the wild when adult | looking exhausted and unwell, in poor condition; wild or untamed |
| under his/her thumb | of the hawk's leash when secured to the fist | tightly under control |
| wrapped round his/her little finger | of the hawk's leash when secured to the fist | tightly under control |
| lure | Originally a device used to recall hawks. The hawks, when young, were trained to associate the device (usually a bunch of feathers) with food. | To tempt with a promise/reward/bait |
| rouse | To shake one's feathers | Stir or awaken |
| pounce | Referring to a hawk's claws, later derived to refer to birds springing or swooping to catch prey | Jump forward to seize or attack something |
| to turn tail | Fly away | To turn and run away |
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