The spelling of the word "haggards" can be explained with IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced /ˈhæɡərd/, with a short "a" sound and a hard "g" sound. The second syllable is pronounced /-z/, with a voiced "z" sound at the end. Together, the word has two syllables and is pronounced as /ˈhæɡərdz/. "Haggards" is the plural form of "haggard," which can mean worn out or exhausted, or referring to a type of bird with a pale face and dark markings.
Haggards, usually used as a noun, refers to a type of falcon or hawk that is captured from the wild as an adult for the purpose of training it for falconry. The word primarily derives from Middle English "haggard" or "haggart," which originally meant a wild or untamed hawk. The term "haggards" is commonly used in the field of falconry to specifically define these captured adult birds.
Haggards are often chosen for their adaptability to domestication and their ability to be trained by falconers. These birds are typically characterized by their fierce and wild nature, as they have been living in the wild before being tamed. They may require a longer period of time and special techniques to be trained compared to birds that have been reared in captivity from a young age.
In falconry, haggards are considered a prized possession, as their mastery allows falconers to participate in this ancient sport of hunting with birds of prey. The process of training a haggard involves establishing a strong bond between the falconer and the bird. Through patient handling and dedicating time for training, these wild hawks can be tamed and taught to perform various hunting techniques, such as chasing down small game or assisting in falconry displays and competitions.
Overall, haggards are an essential part of falconry, representing the art of capturing and training wild birds to work harmoniously with humans in the pursuit of hunting and sport.
The word "haggard" has an interesting etymology. It originated in the late Middle English period and was derived from the Old French word "haquart", which meant "wild falcon caught as an adult". This Old French word itself was borrowed from the Middle Dutch word "hagart" or "haggert", meaning "wild hawk".
Over time, the meaning of "haggard" expanded to refer not only to a wild falcon but also to any bird of prey captured as an adult. Eventually, in the 16th century, it began to be used metaphorically to describe a person who looks exhausted, wild, or gaunt, perhaps similar to a captured hawk that appeared worn out from its struggles.
In modern usage, "haggard" typically describes someone who looks tired, disheveled, or worn out, often due to stress or fatigue.