| a globally distributed falcon, Falco peregrinus, much used in falconry because of its swift flight: several subspecies are endangered. |
| peregrine falcon n. A widely distributed, swift-flying bird of prey (Falco peregrinus), having gray and white plumage, much used in falconry. Also called duck hawk. [Middle English, translation of Medieval Latin falcō peregrīnus (so called because they were caught in passage rather than taken from the nest as were eyas falcons).] |