bateleur
bateleur Lexical Profile
bateleur Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A medium-sized, strikingly colored eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus) native to the savannas and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by its exceptionally short tail and distinctive side-to-side balancing flight.
"During our safari in the Serengeti, we were lucky enough to spot a bateleur gliding effortlessly above the canopy."
An acrobat, juggler, or tightrope walker, particularly one performing at a street fair or circus. (Mostly historical or literary usage in English).
"The medieval festival featured a troupe of bateleurs who entertained the crowd with their daring feats of balance."
• Rhymes for bateleur
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed directly from French 'bateleur', meaning 'acrobat', 'tumbler', or 'tightrope walker'. The bird was so named by French naturalist François Levaillant because its distinctive side-to-side, rocking flight pattern resembles a tightrope walker maintaining balance.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.