peregrine
UK[ˈper.ə.ɡrɪn]US[ˈper.ə.ɡrɪn]
adj
relating to or characteristic of a person or animal that travels widely; migratory or wandering.
n
a powerful falcon with a bluish-grey back and wings and pale underparts, noted for its long-distance migratory flights and often used in falconry.
Morpheme Breakdown
per
egr
ine
per
through
egr
land
ine
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word peregrine originates from the latin 'peregrinus', meaning 'foreign' or 'from abroad'. it is a compound of the prefix 'per-' (through) and the root related to 'ager' (field, land), thus conveying the literal sense of 'one who goes through the land' or 'wanderer'. this term was applied to the falcon due to its migratory habits, as young birds were captured during their long journeys rather than taken from nests. the semantic evolution perfectly illustrates how a descriptor for a wandering person became attached to a bird known for its extensive travels.
Analysis
Structure: per (through) + egr (land) + ine (adjective suffix)
per (latin prefix meaning 'through, across'); egr (from latin 'ager' meaning 'field, land', altered in this compound); ine (latin adjectival suffix meaning 'of or pertaining to').
Examples
the peregrine falcon is renowned as the world's fastest bird.
in medieval times, a peregrine lifestyle was common among scholars and pilgrims.
we observed a peregrine returning to its cliffside nest after migration.