Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Buzzard
Buz′zard
(bŭz′zẽrd)
, Noun.
[O.E.
busard
, bosard
, F. busard
, fr. buse
, L. buteo
, a kind of falcon or hawk.] 1.
(Zool.)
A bird of prey of the Hawk family, belonging to the genus
Buteo
and related genera. ☞ The
Buteo vulgaris
is the common buzzard of Europe. The American species (of which the most common are Buteo borealis
, Buteo Pennsylvanicus
, and Buteo lineatus
) are usually called hen hawks. – The rough-legged buzzard, or bee hawk, of Europe (Pernis apivorus
) feeds on bees and their larvæ, with other insects, and reptiles. – The moor buzzard of Europe is Circus æruginosus
. See Turkey buzzard
, and Carrion buzzard
. Bald buzzard
, the fishhawk or osprey. See
Fishhawk
.2.
A blockhead; a dunce.
It is common, to a proverb, to call one who can not be taught, or who continues obstinately ignorant,
a buzzard
. Goldsmith.
Buz′zard
,Adj.
Senseless; stupid.
[R. & Obs.]
Milton.
Webster 1828 Edition
Buzzard
BUZZ'ARD
,Noun.
1.
A species of falco, or hawk,the buteo; a rapacious,but sluggish bird; the breast usually of a yellowish white; the upper parts of a deep brown. In some parts of America, it is called the great Hen-hawk, from its feeding on poultry.2.
A block-head; a dunce.BUZZ'ARD
,Adj.
Definition 2024
buzzard
buzzard
English
Common buzzard, Buteo buteo, an Old World buzzard
American black vulture, Coragyps atratus
Noun
buzzard (plural buzzards)
- Any of several Old World birds of prey of the genus Buteo with broad wings and a broad tail.
- In North America, a general term for scavenging birds such as the American black vulture (Coragyps atratus), and the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura).
- (colloquial, derogatory, slang, often preceded by "old", the "old buzzard") A curmudgeonly or cantankerous man; an old person; a mean, greedy person.
- (archaic) A blockhead; a dunce.
- Goldsmith
- It is common, to a proverb, to call one who can not be taught, or who continues obstinately ignorant, a buzzard.
- Goldsmith
Derived terms
Derived terms
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Synonyms
Translations
bird of the genus Buteo
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scavenging bird — see vulture
slang or derogatory term for a person
