night owl

Definition

An owl (order Strigiformes) that is nocturnal.

Etymology

From night + owl, from the fact that the bird is active at night.

Example Sentences

• "Their Weapons like to Lightning, came and went: / Our Souldiers like the Night-Owles lazie flight, / Or like a lazie Threſher with a Flaile, / Fell gently downe, as if they ſtrucke their Friends."
• "For nightowles ſhreeke where mounting larkes ſhould ſing."
• "A night owl beat her pinions 'gainſt my head, / 'Till o' the ground I fell, wi' fright near dead!"

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