The Greek origins of the word 'pelican'

'Pelican' is a word borrowed from Greek 'pelekan'. The word entered the English language some time before the 12th century.

pelican [noun] [before 12th century]

Any of a genus (Pelecanus) of large web-footed fish-eating birds with a very large bill and distensible gular pouch
Meaning: any of a genus ( Pelecanus ) of large web-footed fish-eating birds with a very large bill and distensible gular pouch.

Etymology: Middle English; from Old English pellican; from Late Latin pelecanus; from Greek pelekan.

Topics: Animals:Birds.

Origin: From Greek to English.

note: From Greek pelekan probably based on pelekus ‘axe’ (with reference to its bill).

See 'pelican' on the Loan Words Map

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See more loan words from before 1200.