falcon

Where does the word "falcon" come from? It comes from Late Latin falco, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Falcon’s story begins in Late Latin: falco meant “falcon.” Possibly from 'falx', sickle, for its curved talons or wings. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as faucon. Falconry was a noble sport. It reached English by 1200s as falcon. The 'l' was restored from Latin in the 1400s. Today, falcon means a fast bird of prey.

1. Stage 1 · Late Latin · ancient falco "falcon", possibly from 'falx', sickle, for its curved talons or wings.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval faucon "falcon", falconry was a noble sport.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s falcon "hawk", the 'l' was restored from Latin in the 1400s.