Falconry: translation
Like other forms of hunting, falconry was the sport of kings and one requiring great skill. It was a particular favourite of Henry II. There were many kinds of hunting birds: gerfalcons (Falco rusticolus) came from Norway, Iceland and Greenland; these were reserved for use by the king. The peregrine was the bird of earls; the goshawk of yeoman, the sparrow hawk of priests. Merlins were used by knights. [< Lat. falco = a falcon] -
Cf. Falconer; Creance