Goshawk \Gos"hawk`\, n. [AS. g?shafuc, lit., goosehawk; or Icel. g[=a]shaukr. See {Goose}, and {Hawk} the bird.] (Zo["o]l.) Any large hawk of the genus {Astur}, of which many species and varieties are known. The European ({Astur palumbarius}) and the American ({A. atricapillus}) are the best known species. They are noted for their powerful flight, activity, and courage. The Australian goshawk ({A. Nov[ae]-Hollandi[ae]}) is pure white.