Falconry - English Language Words and Idioms Derived From Falconry

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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