Bussard
/ˈbʌs.ɑːrd/noun
A variant spelling of buzzard, a broad-winged bird of prey, especially one of the genus Buteo.
Did you know?Bussard belongs to the same historical naming family as Latin buteo and scientific Buteo, although the ultimate origin may imitate the bird’s cry rather than come from a clear Indo-European root.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Latin
Latin
būteō
“A buzzard or hawk-like bird of prey; the source of the scientific genus name Buteo.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
būsardus
“A bird name formed from or influenced by būteō, later developing into European vernacular forms.”
12th–13th Century
Old French
busart / busard
“A buzzard or related bird of prey.”
Middle English
English
busard
“A buzzard; a large bird of prey.”
Modern English
English
bussard
“A variant spelling of buzzard, preserved especially in historical, regional, or zoological contexts.”