talon

Definition

A sharp, hooked claw of a bird of prey or other predatory animal.

Etymology

From Middle English talon, taloun, from Old French talon (“heel, spur”), from Medieval Latin tālōnem, from Proto-Romance *tālōnis, from Latin tālus (“ankle”).

Example Sentences

• "and now doth gaſtly death With greedie talients gripe my bleeding hart, And like a Harpye tires on my life."
• "It may be tried also whether birds may not have something done to them when they are young , whereby they may be made to have greater or longer bills , or greater and longer talons ?"
• "The locks were constructed with two or three levers, and sometimes with a common tumbler. The talon is the secret; for after locking the bolt out, the key is turned round again quietly to catch the nib and force the talon up"