Obs. rare. In 4–5 speruer, -vyr, spreuere. [ad. OF. espervier, esperver (mod.F. épervier) and esprevier (obs. F. éprevier), = Prov. esparvier, It. sparviere (-eri, -ero), of Germanic origin (OHG. sparwari, sperwere, G. sperber).] A sparrow-hawk.
c. 1330. Arth. & Merl., 5258 (Kölbing). And Agreuein tok þat destrer, & fleiȝe þer on so a speruer.
13[?]. King Alis., 183 (Laud MS.). A speruer þat was honest, So sat on þe lefdyes fyst.
a. 1400. Octouian, 702. A stowt squyere … bar vpon hys ryght hond gay A fayr spreuere.
