Anglo-Norman Dictionary

ossifragus (c.1360-79)

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ossifragus (c.1360-79)

[ gdw]

[ FEW: *7,435a ossifraga; Gdf: ∅; GdfC: ∅; TL: ∅; DEAF: ∅; DMF: ∅; TLF: ∅; OED: ossifrage n.; MED: ∅; DMLBS: 2063c ossifragus ]

ls(loanword: Latin )
le

The etymon of osprey may be ossifragus, via an unattested French *osfraie, cf. OED sub ossifrage.

The DMF lists several less Latinate forms of this word: offraigne, orfraie, orfrès>, and orprès, all referring to the same bird.

1orn.zool.bird of prey that breaks bones by dropping them from a great height, probably the osprey:

( c.1360-79; MS: s.xiv^ex ) Ossifragus de sa nature C'est un oisel qui soulement Du moel des oss prent sa pasture 1850

freindre os#1

ossifragus