English Explanatory Dictionary

war hawk

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A proponent of war or military intrusiveness.
  2. An eagle.

Word forms

war hawk war hawks warhawk

Etymology

Late 18th c., often attributed to Virginian Congressman John Randolph of Roanoke, but no written evidence exists. Popularized in debates concerning the War of 1812. Sense "eagle" probably a calque of Old English guþhafoc

Synonyms

hawk warmonger
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