tercel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/ObscureTechnical, Literary, Historical
Quick answer
What does “tercel” mean?
A male hawk, especially a male peregrine falcon, trained for hunting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A male hawk, especially a male peregrine falcon, trained for hunting.
More broadly, any male falcon; historically and poetically, a male hawk kept for falconry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning, but the term is more likely encountered in UK historical/literary contexts due to the stronger tradition of falconry there.
Connotations
Evokes medievalism, nobility, hunting, and specialized knowledge.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, but marginally higher in UK due to cultural heritage.
Grammar
How to Use “tercel” in a Sentence
The falconer prepared his tercel for the hunt.She admired the tercel's sleek feathers.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tercel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable. It is a noun.
American English
- Not applicable. It is a noun.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. It is a noun.
American English
- Not applicable. It is a noun.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable. It is a noun.
American English
- Not applicable. It is a noun.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in ornithology papers and historical studies on falconry.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Standard term in falconry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tercel”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tercel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tercel”
- Misspelling as 'tassel' or 'trestle'.
- Using it to refer to any bird of prey, not specifically a male.
- Using it in general conversation where 'hawk' or 'falcon' is meant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A tercel IS a hawk (or falcon), but it specifically refers to the male of the species, especially one trained for falconry. 'Hawk' is the general term.
No, it's a highly specialized term used mainly by falconers, ornithologists, and in historical or literary contexts.
Yes, 'tiercel' is an equally correct, common variant spelling of the word.
The word comes from Old French, based on the Latin 'tertius' meaning 'third'. It was once believed the male was one-third smaller than the female.
A male hawk, especially a male peregrine falcon, trained for hunting.
Tercel is usually technical, literary, historical in register.
Tercel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɜːs(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɜːrs(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. The word itself is specific.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'TERCE' (meaning third, as it was once believed the male was one-third smaller than the female) + 'L' for little. A 'tercel' is a smaller, male bird.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not typically used metaphorically. Literal meaning dominates.
Practice
Quiz
What is a tercel?