Word Study
saker
CIDE DICTIONARY
saker, n. [F. sacre (cf. It. sagro, Sp. & Pg. sacre), either fr. L. sacer sacred, holy, as a translation of Gr. "ie`rax falcon, from "iero`s holy, or more probably from Ar. hawk.].
- A falcon (
Falco sacer ) native of Southern Europe and Asia, closely resembling the lanner. [1913 Webster]" The female is calledchargh , and the malecharghela , orsakeret ." [1913 Webster] - A small piece of artillery. Wilhelm. [1913 Webster]"On the bastions were planted culverins and sakers." [1913 Webster]"The culverins and sakers showing their deadly muzzles over the rampart." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
saker, n.
1 a large falcon, Falco cherrug, used in hawking, esp. the larger female bird.
2 hist. an old form of cannon.
1 a large falcon, Falco cherrug, used in hawking, esp. the larger female bird.
2 hist. an old form of cannon.
Etymology
ME f. OF sacre (in both senses), f. Arab. sakr
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