TERCELET Meaning and
Definition
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Tercelet is a noun that refers to a male falcon, specifically a hawk, that was captured before it reached full maturity. Also known as a tassel-gentle, the tercelet is a term that originated in medieval falconry and is still used in modern times to describe a young male bird of prey used for hunting.
In terms of physical characteristics, the tercelet is distinguished by its relatively smaller size compared to the female counterpart, known as the falcon. It typically weighs less, has a lighter body structure, and possesses wings that are more slender and agile. This attribute makes the tercelet well-suited for fast and agile flight, allowing it to swiftly pursue and capture its prey mid-air.
Tercelets are highly valued in falconry due to their natural hunting instincts and exceptional speed, making them ideal for catching smaller game such as birds or rabbits. Skilled falconers would often begin training tercelets at an early age to develop their hunting skills and ensure obedience to commands.
The term "tercelet" itself comes from the Old French word "tiercelet," which means "a third," referring to its position as the third in line of size and rank among a family of birds, alongside the larger female falcons. Overall, the tercelet plays a significant role in falconry, representing both a prized hunting companion and a symbol of balance within avian hierarchy.
Common Misspellings for TERCELET
- rercelet
- fercelet
- gercelet
- yercelet
- 6ercelet
- 5ercelet
- twrcelet
- tsrcelet
- tdrcelet
- trrcelet
- t4rcelet
- t3rcelet
- teecelet
- tedcelet
- tefcelet
- tetcelet
- te5celet
- te4celet
- terxelet
- ercelet
Etymology of TERCELET
The word "tercelet" has its origin in the Old French term "tiercelet", which comes from the Latin word "tertiolus". "Tertiolus" is a diminutive form of "tertius", meaning "third". In medieval falconry, the tiercelet represented the third and smallest grade of a particular species of hawk or falcon, often used in hunting. Over time, this term was adopted into English as "tercelet" to refer specifically to a male hawk or falcon, usually in its first year.
Similar spelling words for TERCELET
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