kite
UK[kaɪt]US[kaɪt]
n
a toy consisting of a light frame covered with paper or cloth, flown in the wind at the end of a long string
n
a medium to large long-winged bird of prey that typically has a forked tail and frequently soars on updrafts of air
v
to fly or cause to fly like a kite; to get money or credit by using a bad check or other fraudulent means
Etymology
the word 'kite' has a straightforward journey into modern english. it originates from the old english 'cȳta', which was used to name the bird of prey known for its soaring flight. the name may have been onomatopoeic, imitating the bird's shrill cry. the sense of a toy flown on a string, first recorded in the 17th century, is a metaphorical extension based on the bird's graceful, hovering motion in the air. the verb senses, including the fraudulent financial one, derive from the analogy of something being sent aloft or sustained precariously, much like the toy kite.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from old english 'cȳta', referring to the bird of prey. its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be imitative of its call.
Examples
the children spent the afternoon flying a colorful kite in the park.
a red kite circled high above the field, searching for prey.
he was arrested for attempting to kite checks between two bank accounts.