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merlin

(mʉr′lin)

noun

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

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

noun

Arthurian Legend a magician and seer, helper of King Arthur

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

See merlin in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A small falcon (Falco columbarius) of northern regions, having predominantly dark plumage and a black-striped tail. Also called pigeon hawk.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Anglo-Norman merilun

Origin: , from Old French esmerillon

Origin: , diminutive of esmeril

Origin: , of Germanic origin

noun

In Arthurian legend, a magician and prophet who served as counselor to King Arthur.

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