buzzard etymology

Etymology:

The word "buzzard" is derived from the Middle English word "busard," which is ultimately derived from the Old French word "busart."

Meaning:

A buzzard is a medium-sized bird of prey typically brown in color with broad wings and a short, hooked beak.

Origin:

The etymology of "buzzard" provides some interesting insights into its history and usage:

• Old French "busart": This word, from which "busard" is directly derived, originally referred to a type of bird of prey that lived in marshes.
• Middle English "busard": In Middle English, the word "busard" was used to describe a variety of birds of prey, including hawks, falcons, and kites.
• Modern English "buzzard": By the 16th century, "buzzard" had come to specifically refer to a medium-sized bird of prey that was often seen hovering over prey.
• Negative connotations: Over time, the word "buzzard" acquired negative connotations, such as weakness, slowness, and gullibility. This may be due to the bird's relatively slow flight and its tendency to catch small prey.

In modern usage, "buzzard" primarily refers to birds of prey belonging to the genus Buteo, such as the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and the common buzzard (Buteo buteo). However, the term can also be used more generally to refer to any bird of prey that has similar characteristics to buzzards.

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