from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Aerie \Ae"rie\ (?; 277), n. [OE. aire, eire, air, nest, also
origin, descent, OF. aire, LL. area, aera, nest of a bird of
prey, perh. fr. L. area an open space (for birds of prey like
to build their nests on flat and open spaces on the top of
high rocks). Cf. {Area}.]
The nest of a bird of prey, as of an eagle or hawk; also a
brood of such birds; eyrie. --Shak. Also fig.: A human
residence or resting place perched like an eagle's nest.
[1913 Webster]