Pelican
/ˈpɛl.ɪ.kən/noun
A large water bird with a long bill and a throat pouch used for catching fish.
Did you know?In medieval Christian legend, the pelican was believed to wound itself to feed its young with its own blood, making it a powerful symbol of sacrifice and resurrection.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
πελεκᾶν (pelekân)
“A pelican; the bird was already known in the classical world.”
Late Latin
Latin
pelicānus
“Pelican.”
Old French
Old French
pelican
“Pelican.”
Middle English
English
pelican
“Pelican.”
Modern English
English
pelican
“A large fish-eating water bird with a pouch-like bill.”