n.
Pronunciation: ' ho ̇ k
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English hauk, from Old English hafoc; akin to Old High German habuh hawk, Russian kobets a falcon
Date: before 12th century
1 : any of numerous diurnal birds of prey belonging to a suborder (Falcones of the order Falconiformes) and including all the smaller members of this group especially : ACCIPITER
2 : a small board or metal sheet with a handle on the underside used to hold mortar
3 : one who takes a militant attitude and advocates immediate vigorous action especially : a supporter of a war or warlike policy ― compare DOVE
– hawk · ish \ ' ho ̇ -kish \ adjective
– hawk · ish · ly adverb
– hawk · ish · ness noun