hafoc
/ˈxɑ.fok/masculine
The Old English word for hawk is hafoc.
hafoc refers to a predatory bird belonging to the Accipitridae family.
Meaning: predatory bird of Accipitridae (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈxɑ.fok/.
Did you know?
- The pronunciation of the initial 'h' in hafoc involves a voiceless velar fricative, a raspy sound similar to the 'ch' in the Scottish word 'loch'.
- In the early medieval period, owning a hafoc was strictly regulated by social rank, with different species reserved for royalty and gentry.
- Old English utilized a system of 'kennings', where a hafoc might be described through metaphorical compounds rather than by its name alone.
Examples in context
- Ic ġesēo hafoc on þǣre lyfte.I see a hawk in the air.
- Se hafoc flȳhþ ofer þone feld.The hawk flies over the field.
Example conversation
Two siblings are observing birds in the field.
- ÆthelstanHwæt is þæt on þǣm heofone?What is that in the sky?
- ÆthelflædHit is micel hafoc, Æthelstan.It is a large hawk, Æthelstan.
- ÆthelstanIs se hafoc hungrig?Is the hawk hungry?
- ÆthelflædĠēa, hē sēcþ fugol.Yes, it seeks a bird.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hawk” translations and entries hafoc, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
