n. pl. os·preys 1. A fish-eating raptor (Pandion haliaetus) found almost worldwide, having plumage that is dark on the back and mostly white below. Also called fish hawk. 2. A plume formerly used to trim women's hats. [Middle English osprai, from Anglo-Norman ospreit, from Medieval Latin avis praedae, bird of prey : Latin avis, bird; see awi- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + Latin praedae, genitive of praeda, booty, prey; see ghend- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ![]() (click for a larger image) ospreyPandion haliaetus |
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