FALCONRY Meaning and
Definition
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Falconry is an ancient sport and art of hunting that involves the use of trained birds of prey, typically falcons or hawks, to capture game. This practice is also known as "hawking." Falconry originated thousands of years ago and has been practiced across various cultures throughout history, serving as a valuable means of food procurement, pest control, and entertainment.
In falconry, a falconer develops a strong bond and mutual trust with their bird, which is achieved through a process called "manning," during which the bird is socialized and accustomed to human interaction. The birds are specifically bred and raised for this purpose, and training begins when they are young and eager to learn. Once trained, falconry birds are handled with gloved hands and equipped with leather straps called "jesses," which provide attachment points for a leash or flying line known as a "lure."
When hunting, the falconer releases the bird in pursuit of prey, relying on the bird's instinctive hunting skills and its ability to fly swiftly and accurately. The falconer then commands the bird to return, using whistles or other signals, or in some cases, another bird of prey acting as a lure.
In contemporary times, falconry is primarily practiced as a recreational activity or as a way to conserve and rehabilitate birds of prey. It is also recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, highlighting its importance in preserving traditional skills, knowledge, and customs.
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The art of training or hunting with hawks.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for FALCONRY
Etymology of FALCONRY
The word "falconry" has its roots in Old French. It derived from the term "faulconnerie", which can be traced back to the 13th century. "Faulconnerie" itself comes from the Old French word "faulcon", meaning falcon. The Old French term likely originated from the Late Latin word "falco", meaning falcon or hawk. The etymology of "falco" can be further traced to the Proto-Indo-European root "*pel", which means gray or pale. This root is the basis for various words related to falcons and hawks in different Indo-European languages.
Similar spelling words for FALCONRY
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