Haliastur Indus

Kite \Kite\ (k[imac]t), n. [OE. kyte, AS. c[=y]ta; cf. W. cud,
   cut.]
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   1. (Zool.) Any raptorial bird of the subfamily {Milvin[ae]},
      of which many species are known. They have long wings,
      adapted for soaring, and usually a forked tail.
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   Note: The European species are {Milvus ictinus} and {Milvus
         migrans}; the pariah kite of India is {Milvus govinda};
         the sacred or Brahmany kite of India is {Haliastur
         Indus}; the American fork-tailed kite is the {Nauclerus
         furcatus}.
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   2. Fig.: One who is rapacious.
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            Detested kite, thou liest.            --Shak.
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   3. A light frame of wood or other material covered with paper
      or cloth, for flying in the air at the end of a string.
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   4. (Naut.) A lofty sail, carried only when the wind is light.
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   5. (Geom.) A quadrilateral, one of whose diagonals is an axis
      of symmetry. --Henrici.
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   6. Fictitious commercial paper used for raising money or to
      sustain credit, as a check which represents no deposit in
      bank, or a bill of exchange not sanctioned by sale of
      goods; an accommodation check or bill. [Cant]
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   7. (Zool.) The brill. [Prov. Eng.]
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   8. (Naut.) A form of drag to be towed under water at any
      depth up to about forty fathoms, which on striking bottom
      is upset and rises to the surface; -- called also
      {sentry}.
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   {Flying kites}. (Naut.) See under {Flying}.

   {Kite falcon} (Zool.), an African falcon of the genus
      {Avicida}, having some resemblance to a kite.
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