'eagle-like' is formed from the noun 'eagle' plus the suffix '-like'. 'eagle' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aquila', where 'aquila' meant 'a bird of prey (an eagle)'; the suffix '-like' originates from Old English 'lic' (later '-like'), where 'lic' meant 'body' or 'form' and came to mean 'similar to'.

'eagle' changed from Latin 'aquila' into Old French 'aigle' and then into Middle English forms such as 'egle' before becoming the modern English 'eagle'. The suffix '-like' comes from Old English '-lic' which became Middle English '-lik(e)' and eventually the modern suffix '-like'.

Initially, the components referred literally to the animal 'eagle' and a form/likeness suffix meaning 'having the form of'; over time the compound came to be used more broadly for qualities or characteristics reminiscent of an eagle (appearance, manner, or attributes such as keen sight).