in ornithology. See FALCO.

in heraldry, is accounted one of the most noble bearings in armory; and, according to the learned in this science, ought to be given to none but such as greatly excel in the virtues of generosity and courage, or for having done singular services to their sovereigns; in which cases they may be allowed a whole eagle, or an eagle sautoir, or only the head or other parts thereof, as may be most agreeable to their exploits.

The eagle has been borne, by way of ensign or standard, by several nations. The first who seem to have assumed the eagle, are the Persians; according to the testimony of Xenophon. Afterwards, it was taken by the Romans; who, after a great variety of standards, at length fixed on the eagle, in the second year of the consulate of C. Marius: till that time, they used indifferently wolves, leopards, and eagles, according to the humour of the commander.

The Roman eagles, it must be observed, were not painted on a cloth, or flag: but were figures in relievo, of silver or gold, borne on the tops of pikes; the wings being displayed, and frequently a thunder-bolt in their talons. Under the eagle on the pike, were piled bucklers, and sometimes crowns. Thus much we learn from the medals.

in astronomy. See there, n° 203, 206.

EAGLE-Stone. See ÆTITES.

Black Eagle, an order of knighthood, instituted by the elector of Brandenburgh, in 1701, on his being crowned king of Prussia.

The knights of this order wear an orange-coloured ribband suspending a black eagle.

White Eagle, a like order in Poland, instituted in 1325, by Uladislaus V. on occasion of the marriage of his son Casimir to the daughter of the great duke of Lithuania.

The knights of this order wear a chain of gold, suspending a silver eagle crowned.