Kite /(kīt)/

Kite

n.
  1. Any raptorial bird of the subfamily Milvinæ, of which many species are known. They have long wings, adapted for soaring, and usually a forked tail. (Zool.)
  2. Fig.: One who is rapacious.
    Detested kite, thou liest.
  3. A light frame of wood or other material covered with paper or cloth, for flying in the air at the end of a string.
  4. A lofty sail, carried only when the wind is light. (Naut.)
  5. A quadrilateral, one of whose diagonals is an axis of symmetry. (Geom.)
  6. Fictitious commercial paper used for raising money or to sustain credit, as a check which represents no deposit in bank, or a bill of exchange not sanctioned by sale of goods; an accommodation check or bill. [Cant]
  7. The brill. (Zool.) [Prov. Eng.]
  8. A form of drag to be towed under water at any depth up to about forty fathoms, which on striking bottom is upset and rises to the surface; -- called also sentry. (Naut.)

Phrases & Compounds

Flying kites
See under Flying.
Kite falcon
an African falcon of the genus Avicida, having some resemblance to a kite.

Kite

v. i.
  1. To raise money by “kites;” as, kiting transactions. See Kite, 6. [Cant]

Kite

n.
  1. The belly. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.]