from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Saker \Sa"ker\ (s[=a]"k[~e]r), n. [F. sacre (cf. It. sagro, Sp.
& Pg. sacre), either fr. L. sacer sacred, holy, as a
translation of Gr. "ie`rax falcon, from "iero`s holy, or more
probably from Ar. [,c]aqr hawk.] [Written also {sacar},
{sacre}.]
1. (Zool.)
(a) A falcon ({Falco sacer}) native of Southern Europe and
Asia, closely resembling the lanner.
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Note: The female is called {chargh}, and the male
{charghela}, or {sakeret}.
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(b) The peregrine falcon. [Prov. Eng.]
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2. (Mil.) A small piece of artillery. --Wilhelm.
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On the bastions were planted culverins and sakers.
--Macaulay.
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The culverins and sakers showing their deadly
muzzles over the rampart. --Hawthorne.
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