Kite

Kite

Noun / Verb · /kaɪt/

Definition

(Noun) a toy or recreational device consisting of a light frame covered with fabric or paper, flown on a string in the wind; a bird of prey of the genus Milvus with forked tail; (informal) a cheque or bill of exchange; (Verb) to fly a kite; to fly kite — to put out an idea tentatively to test reaction.

Origin

From Old English cȳta (a kite, the bird), related to Middle High German kūze (an owl). The toy kite was named after the bird for its soaring flight. Used in English from the Old English period.