falconet
falconet Lexical Profile
falconet Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of several species of very small birds of prey in the genera Microhierax and Polihierax, native primarily to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and Africa.
"The diminutive falconet, barely larger than a sparrow, is an agile and fierce hunter in the Southeast Asian canopy."
A historical light cannon used from the 15th to the 17th centuries, designed to fire small projectiles weighing roughly one to two pounds.
"During the siege, the defenders mounted a brass falconet on the fortress wall to deter the approaching infantry."
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle French 'falconnet', a diminutive of 'faucon' (falcon). Historically applied first to a light artillery piece (as early modern cannons were often named after birds of prey) and later to the small raptor.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.