Also 7 windover. [f. WIND sb.1 + HOVER v.] A name for the kestrel, from its habit of hovering or hanging in the air with its head to the wind. Also attrib.
1674. Ray, Collect., Engl. Birds, 82. The Kestrell or Stannel, in some places the Windover.
1738. Albin, Nat. Hist. Birds, III. 5. The Windhover Cock.
1778. G. White, Selborne, To Barrington, 7 Aug. The kestrel, or windhover, has a peculiar mode of hanging in the air in one place, his wings all the while being briskly agitated.
1864. Tennyson, Aylmer’s Field, 321. For about as long As the wind-hover hangs in balance.
1884. H. G. Hewlett, in 19th Cent., Aug., 331. The windhover hawk poising at mid-distance above his quarry.
