\Gos"hawk`\, n. [AS. g?shafuc, lit., goosehawk; or Icel.
g[=a]shaukr. See {Goose}, and {Hawk} the bird.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any large hawk of the genus {Astur}, of which many species
and varieties are known. The European ({Astur palumbarius})
and the American ({A. atricapillus}) are the best known
species. They are noted for their powerful flight, activity,
and courage. The Australian goshawk ({A.
Nov[ae]-Hollandi[ae]}) is pure white.