B. In partic.
1. The common hawk, Falco Palumbarius, Linn.; Hor. C. 1, 37, 17 sq.; Ov. M. 5, 605 sq.; Col. 8, 4, 6; 3, 8, 4 al.: “sacer, because auguries were taken from it,” Verg. A. 11, 721 (cf. Hom. Od. 15, 525 sq.).—
2. The sparrowhawk, Falco Nisus, Linn., used in fowling; Mart. 14, 216.—
II. Transf., of a rapacious man: “labes populi, pecuniai accipiter,” Plaut. Pers. 3, 3, 5.