merlin

Everyday

1. A small, fast falcon (a bird of prey) found in Europe, Asia and North America, which hunts small birds. tree →
2. (a name, legend) Merlin is the wise wizard in the stories of King Arthur, who guided and advised him. tree →

In the lessons

In nature studies, the merlin is one of the smallest falcons; it lives on moors and open land and catches birds in fast chases. In literature and legends, Merlin is the famous wizard of Camelot, who in many tellings helped Arthur become king and pull the sword from the stone. Phrases: «Merlin the wizard», «a merlin falcon».

Examples

• A merlin is a small, fast falcon. tree →
• We saw a merlin chasing a pipit over the moor. tree →
• Merlin the wizard helped young Arthur. tree →
• In some stories Merlin lives backwards in time. tree →
• Merlins nest on the ground in heather. tree →
• The book tells how Merlin brought the stones of Stonehenge – but that is a legend, not history. tree →
• A merlin is smaller than a kestrel. tree →
• Merlin is often drawn with a long beard and a pointed hat. tree →
• ‘But, Princess,’ said he, ‘I dare not take you back to King Merlin’s court. tree →

Note

The bird is «a merlin» (small m); the wizard is «Merlin» (capital M). Merlin the wizard is a character in legends; historians are not sure he ever existed. Not a maths word.