The word "tiercel" is a noun that refers specifically to a male hawk, especially a male peregrine falcon or gyrfalcon. This term is often used in falconry, which is the sport of hunting with trained birds of prey.
Explanation:
Origin: The word "tiercel" comes from the Old French word "tiercelin," which means "one-third." This is because the male bird is usually smaller than the female, and it’s traditionally believed that the male is about one-third smaller than the female.
Usage Instructions:
Example:
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced discussions about bird species, you might encounter "tiercel" when comparing the sizes and hunting behaviors of male and female birds. For example, "In many species of birds of prey, the tiercel exhibits different hunting strategies compared to the female."
Word Variants:
Tiercelin: A diminutive form, used less commonly.
Tiercel Falcon: Referring specifically to a male falcon.
Different Meaning:
Synonyms:
Male hawk: This is a broader term but can be used interchangeably in some contexts.
Falcon: While this term is more general and includes both males and females, it can refer to tiercels when specified.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
Summary:
In summary, "tiercel" is a specific term used in ornithology and falconry to denote a male hawk, particularly the male peregrine or gyrfalcon.