noun
any of a worldwide order (Strigiformes) of predatory night birds distinguished by a large, flat face, eyes surrounded by stiff-feathered disks, a short, hooked beak, feathered legs with sharp talons, and soft plumage which permits noiseless flight: applied figuratively to a person of nocturnal habits, solemn appearance, etc.
Origin:
ME owle < OE ule, akin to Ger eule < IE echoic base *ul- > L ulula, owl, ululare, to howl