Buzzard (The)

is meant for Dr. Burnett, whose figure was lusty.

“The noble Buzzard ever pleased me best.”

Dryden: Hind and Panther, part iii. 1121.

Buzzard called hawk by courtesy. It is a euphemism—a brevet rank—a complimentary title.

“Of small renown, ʹtis true; for, not to lie,

We call [your buzzard] “hawk” by courtesy.”

Dryden: Hind and Panther, iii. 1122–3.

Between hawk and buzzard. Not quite a lady or gentleman, nor quite a servant. Applied to tutors in private houses, bear-leaders, and other grown-up persons who are allowed to come down to dessert, but not to be guests at the dinner-table.

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.