jaeger
jaeger Lexical Profile
jaeger Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American Any of several predatory seabirds of the genus Stercorarius (family Stercorariidae), breeding in Arctic and sub-Arctic coastal tundras, distinguished by their aggressive aerial pursuit of other seabirds to steal their catch.
"The swift jaeger mercilessly harassed the tern until it finally dropped its freshly caught fish."
A historical sharpshooter, rifleman, or light infantryman, originally employed in the German or Austrian military.
"During the battle, the Hessian jaegers proved to be highly effective skirmishers in the dense woodland."
Word Nuance & Usage
In ornithology, North Americans use 'jaeger' for the smaller seabird species of the family Stercorariidae, whereas British English typically refers to all species in this family as 'skuas'.
• Rhymes for jaeger
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into English in the late 18th century from the German word 'Jäger', meaning 'hunter', which reflects both the military role and the predatory behavior of the seabird.