Meanings
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1
noun
a bird of prey with keen eyesight, broad wings, and a hooked bill
A hawk circled above the field looking for small mammals.
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2
noun
a person who supports aggressive military or foreign policy
Defence hawks demanded a stronger response to the attack.
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3
verb
to sell or advertise goods by calling out in public
Vendors hawked fruit and cold drinks outside the stadium.
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4
verb
to clear the throat noisily or bring up mucus
He hawked to clear his throat before speaking.
Thesaurus
Etymology
The bird name descends from Old English hafoc and Proto-Germanic *habukaz. The political sense contrasts a belligerent hawk with a peaceful dove. The verb meaning 'sell by calling out' arose by back-formation from hawker, while the throat-clearing verb is a separate, probably imitative formation.