kestrel Hear it!

kestrel definition

kes·trel (kes′trəl)

noun

  1. either of two small, reddish-gray European falcons (Falco tinnunculus or F. naumanni) that can hover in the air
  2. American kestrel

Etymology: ME castrel < OFr cresserelle, quercerelle: orig. echoic

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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