buzzard1

[buhz-erd] /ˈbʌz ərd/
noun
1.
any of several broad-winged, soaring hawks of the genus Buteo and allied genera, especially B. buteo, of Europe.
2.
any of several New World vultures of the family Cathartidae, especially the turkey vulture.
3.
Slang. a contemptible or cantankerous person (often preceded by old):
That old buzzard has lived in the same shack for twenty years.
adjective
4.
Obsolete. senseless; stupid.
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English busard < Old French, variant of buisard, equivalent to buis(on) buzzard (< Latin būteōn-, stem of būteō kind of hawk) + -ard -ard
Related forms
buzzardlike, adjective
buzzardly, adjective, adverb

buzzard2

[buhz-erd] /ˈbʌz ərd/
noun, British Dialect
1.
any of various nocturnal buzzing insects, as cockchafers.
Origin
1645-55; buzz1 + -ard
Examples from the web for buzzard
  • Since he was repulsive and had buzzard breath, he needed all the help he could get.
British Dictionary definitions for buzzard

buzzard

/ˈbʌzəd/
noun
1.
any diurnal bird of prey of the genus Buteo, typically having broad wings and tail and a soaring flight: family Accipitridae (hawks, etc) Compare honey buzzard, turkey buzzard
2.
a mean or cantankerous person
Word Origin
C13: from Old French buisard, variant of buison buzzard, from Latin būteō hawk, falcon
Word Origin and History for buzzard
n.

c.1300, from Old French buisart "buzzard, harrier, inferior hawk," from buson, buison, from Latin buteonem (nominative buteo) a kind of hawk, perhaps with -art suffix for one that carries on some action or possesses some quality, with derogatory connotation (see -ard).

Slang definitions & phrases for buzzard

buzzard

noun
  1. A dislikable person, esp an old man: a stingy and predatory old buzzard (1600s+)
  2. The eagle worn as insignia by a colonel or a naval captain (1930s+ Armed forces)