noun
or ey·ess ˈīə̇s
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English, alteration (resulting from incorrect division of a neias ) of neias, nyesse, from Middle French niais fresh from the nest, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin nidax nestling, from Latin nidus nest — more at nest
1. : an unfledged bird ; specifically : a nestling hawk
2. : a hawk or falcon taken young from the nest for training — compare haggard