merlin Hear it!

merlin definition

mer·lin (mʉr′lin)

noun

a small, dark falcon (Falco columbarius) with a striped, brownish-red breast, of North America and Eurasia

Etymology: ME merlion < OFr esmerillon, dim. of esmeril, merlin < OHG smirl, merlin

Merlin definition

Mer·lin (mʉr′lin)

noun

Arthurian Legend a magician and seer, helper of King Arthur

Etymology: ML Merlinus < Welsh Myrrdin < Brythonic *Mori-dünon < *mori, sea + Proto-Celt *dunom, hill, fortified hill, fort, hence, lit., sea-hill or sea-fortress

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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