Chough
/tʃʌf/noun
A type of bird, known for its distinctive red bill and legs, commonly found in cliffs and coastal areas.
Did you know?In Celtic mythology, choughs were seen as omens, often associated with the souls of the dead or the Otherworld.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱeu̯-
“to cry out or shout, often in a distinctive manner.”
Old Welsh
Old Welsh
ciog
“a type of bird, noted for its loud calls.”
Old English
Old English
cū
“a crow or similar bird, highlighting its vocal nature.”
Middle English
Middle English
chough
“a bird known for its distinctive call and red bill, associated with cliffs.”
Modern English
English
chough
“retaining its identity as a bird, emphasizing its unique vocalizations.”