Owl word meaning and definition

[noun] nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes

\Owl\, n. [AS. [=u]le; akin to D. uil, OHG. [=u]wila, G. eule, Icel. ugla, Sw. ugla, Dan. ugle.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) Any species of raptorial birds of the family {Strigid[ae]}. They have large eyes and ears, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye. They are mostly nocturnal in their habits. Note: Some species have erectile tufts of feathers on the head. The feathers are soft and somewhat downy. The species are numerous. See {Barn owl}, {Burrowing owl}, {Eared owl}, {Hawk owl}, {Horned owl}, {Screech owl}, {Snowy owl}, under {Barn}, {Burrowing}, etc. Note: In the Scriptures the owl is commonly associated with desolation; poets and story-tellers introduce it as a bird of ill omen. . . . The Greeks and Romans made it the emblem of wisdom, and sacred to Minerva, -- and indeed its large head and solemn eyes give it an air of wisdom. --Am. Cyc. 2. (Zo["o]l.) A variety of the domestic pigeon. {Owl monkey} (Zo["o]l.), any one of several species of South American nocturnal monkeys of the genus {Nyctipithecus}. They have very large eyes. Called also {durukuli}. {Owl moth} (Zo["o]l.), a very large moth ({Erebus strix}). The expanse of its wings is over ten inches. {Owl parrot} (Zo["o]l.), the kakapo. {Sea owl} (Zo["o]l.), the lumpfish. {Owl train}, a cant name for certain railway trains whose run is in the nighttime.
\Owl\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Owled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Owling}.] 1. To pry about; to prowl. [Prov. Eng.] 2. To carry wool or sheep out of England. [Obs.] Note: This was formerly illegal, and was done chiefly by night. 3. Hence, to carry on any contraband trade. [Eng.]

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