资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

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

   2. (Gun.) An ancient form of cannon.

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

Chanting \Chant"ing\ (ch[.a]nt"[i^]ng), n.
   Singing, esp. as a chant is sung.

   {Chanting falcon} (Zo["o]l.), an African falcon ({Melierax
      canorus or musicus}). The male has the habit, remarkable
      in a bird of prey, of singing to his mate, while she is
      incubating.