Definition of: owl

(oul) noun
1. A predatory nocturnal bird of the order Strigiformes, having large eyes and head, short, sharply hooked bill, long powerful claws, and a circular facial disk of radiating feathers. Of the North American owls, prominent species are the circumpolar snowy owl (genus Nyctea), the great horned owl, the barred owl (Syrnium varium), the great gray owl (genus Scotiaptex), screech owl (genus Otus), and the long–eared and short–eared owls (genus Asio).
2. One of a breed of domestic pigeons having an owl–like head and a prominent frill.
3. A person with nocturnal habits.
4. A person of solemn appearance, etc. [OE ūle]