Pelican
|pel-i-can|
/ˈpɛlɪkən/
(pelican)
large water bird with throat pouch
Etymology
'pelican' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'pelekan' or 'pelekanos', where 'pelekys' meant 'axe' (likely referring to the shape of the bill).
'pelican' changed from Medieval Latin 'pelecanus' and Old French 'pelican' and Middle English 'pellican' before becoming the modern English word 'pelican'.
Initially it referred to the bird (with a name possibly linked to the 'axe'-shaped bill), but over time it also acquired symbolic meanings of charity and self-sacrifice in Christian iconography.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a large water bird with a long bill and an expandable throat pouch, often seen catching fish.
A pelican skimmed the surface of the bay and scooped up a fish in its pouch.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a symbolic or heraldic representation of a pelican, especially the 'pelican in her piety' motif representing self-sacrifice and charity.
The medieval chapel displayed a pelican as a symbol of Christ's self-sacrifice.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/31 20:51