Pronunciation: [ɡlˈiːd] (IPA) 
The word "Glede" can be tricky to spell due to its silent "d". It is pronounced as \ˈgliːd\, with a long "e" sound in the first syllable and a soft "g" sound. The word is an old name for the European griffon vulture, and it's often spelled incorrectly as "gled" or "glead". To remember the correct spelling, try breaking it down into its phonetic parts and practice saying it aloud a few times until it sticks.
Glede is a noun that refers to a large bird of prey, also known as a kite, belonging to the Accipitridae family. Specifically, it pertains to the species Milvus milvus, commonly found in Europe, Asia, and Northwest Africa. The glede is characterized by its graceful flight pattern, where it effortlessly soars and glides in the air currents, showcasing its broad wingspan and long, forked tail. The glede has a distinct appearance, with a reddish-brown plumage on its body and strikingly pale head and neck. Its hooked beak and sharp talons enable it to capture and feed on a variety of small mammals, carrion, and occasionally even fish.
In some cultural and mythical contexts, the term glede holds symbolic significance. It is often associated with themes of power, vision, and freedom, embodying the majesty and spirit of the bird itself. Glede can also be used in a figurative sense, representing surveillance or watchfulness. The keen eyesight and ability to hover or survey an area make the glede an appropriate metaphor for attentiveness or being vigilant. The word can be found in literary works, poetry, or folklore, where it adds imagery and depth, conjuring up the ethereal elegance of this magnificent bird.
A bird of the rapacious kind; a kite.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word glede has its origins in Old English and Old High German. In Old English, it was known as glida which referred to a kite, a type of bird of prey. This term is derived from the Proto-Germanic word glidô. Similarly, in Old High German, the word was glît, also meaning a type of bird of prey. The ultimate origin of the word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *ghlei- which meant to shine or to glide. This root is also related to words such as glide and glitter.
