Haggards

/ˈhæɡərdz/ noun

Definition

In falconry, hawks or falcons that have been caught after having flown wild, as opposed to birds raised from youth.

Etymology

From 'haggard' referring to untamed or wild birds, with the '-s' plural ending. The term comes from falconry terminology dating back to medieval times.

Kelly Says

Haggards in falconry represent wild spirits captured and retrained—medieval falconers knew that haggards were more difficult but sometimes superior to birds raised in captivity, a principle that applies to many things beyond birds.

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