Definitions

1. noun

A large bird of prey, specifically the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), or the fish eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus).

“The erne swooped down from the trees to snatch a fish from the river.”

2. noun

In heraldry, a symbol or device consisting of a bird’s head or body, often used as an emblem.

“The coat of arms featured an erne grasping a sword in its talons.”