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shrike
noun \ˈshrīk, especially Southern ˈsrīk\
Definition of SHRIKE
: any of numerous usually largely gray or brownish oscine birds (family Laniidae) that have a hooked bill, feed chiefly on insects, and often impale their prey on thorns
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Illustration of SHRIKE
Origin of SHRIKE
perhaps from Middle English *shrik, from Old English scrīc thrush; akin to Middle English shriken to shriek
First Known Use: 1544
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