jackdaw etymology

Etymology:

  • Old English: cawe
  • Middle English: cawe
  • Origin: The word "jackdaw" is thought to be onomatopoeic, imitating the bird's call.

Meaning:

  • A small, black crow with a gray nape (back of the neck).
  • A sneaky or mischievous person.

Origin:

The term "jackdaw" has been used to describe the bird for centuries. Here is a brief timeline of its usage:

  • 7th century: The first recorded use of "jackdaw" appears in the Old English epic poem "Beowulf."
  • 12th century: The term is used in the "Cursor Mundi," a Middle English religious poem.
  • 14th century: The word "jackdaw" is included in the "Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer.
  • 16th century: "Jackdaw" is defined in the first English dictionary, by Robert Cawdrey.
  • 17th century: The term is used by William Shakespeare in "Hamlet."

Today, the word "jackdaw" is used primarily to refer to the bird, although it can also be used figuratively to describe someone who is cunning or sly.

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