The word "falconer" is a bit tricky to spell because of the silent 'l'. It is pronounced /ˈfɔːlkənər/ with the stress on the first syllable. The 'f' is followed by the short 'a' sound and the 'l' after the 'a' is not pronounced. The next syllable has the schwa sound 'uh' followed by a hard 'k' sound. The final syllable has the 'n' sound followed by the schwa sound 'uh' and the 'r' sound. To remember the spelling, it may be helpful to associate 'falconer' with the word 'falcon'.
A falconer is a person skilled in the ancient art of training, handling, and hunting with falcons or other birds of prey. This term is derived from the word "falcon," which refers to a bird of prey with a long, narrow wingspan and sharp beak specialized in hunting small animals. Falconry, also known as hawking, is a cultural practice that has been practiced for thousands of years, originating in the Middle East and spreading to various parts of the world.
A falconer possesses a deep understanding of the behavior and biology of raptors, enabling them to establish a strong bond with their birds. They meticulously train the birds, teaching them to fly, follow commands, and return to their gloved hand. Falconers employ specialized equipment, such as leather gloves, bells, and hoods, to assist in the successful handling and hunting of their birds.
The role of a falconer extends beyond training. They stand as stewards for the welfare and conservation of birds of prey, working to protect their populations and habitats. Falconers also engage in public education, sharing their knowledge and fascination with birds of prey to promote understanding and appreciation.
The tradition of falconry is deeply rooted in history, serving as a testament to the bond between humans and raptors. A falconer embodies the skills, dedication, and passion required to establish this unique partnership with these majestic creatures, showcasing a harmonious alliance between human and wild animal.
One who trains or sports with falcons.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "falconer" has its origins in Old French. It stems from the word "faulconnier" which means "falcon trainer" or "keeper of falcons". This term was derived from the Middle Latin word "falco" meaning "falcon". The word ultimately traces back to the Latin word "falx" which means "sickle" or "scythe", possibly due to the similarity between the shape of a falcon's beak and a scythe. Over time, the term "falconer" has come to refer specifically to someone who hunts with falcons, and it has remained relatively unchanged in English since its introduction.