As a noun, a raven is a large, black bird related to crows, known for its intelligence and deep, croaking call. As a verb, “to raven” (rare) means to hunt or feed greedily, and as an adjective, “raven” can describe very black hair.
The bird name comes from Old English “hræfn,” from Proto-Germanic “*khrabanaz,” related to similar words in other Germanic languages. The verb meaning to devour comes from a different root linked to “ravenous.”
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