Fal'con, n.
(faw'kn), n. [O. Fr. falcon, N. Fr. faucon, Pr. falcō, O. Sp. falcon, N. Sp. halcon, It. falcone, falco, O. Ger. falcho, Late Gr. φάλκων, Late Lat. falco, from falx, falcis, a sickle or scythe, so named from its curving talons.]
Sense 1. (Ornith.) One of a family of raptorial birds, characterized by a short, hooked beak, powerful claws, and great destructive power; especially, one of this family trained to the pursuit of other birds, or game. In the language of falconry, the female peregrine (Falco peregrinus) is exclusively called the falcon. Yarrel.
Sense 2. (Gun.) An ancient form of cannon, seven feet in length, carrying a ball of four pounds in weight. Tomlinson.
