C13: perhaps from Low German; compare Middle Dutch andrake, Old High German antrahho
drake in British English2
(dreɪk)
noun
1. angling
an artificial fly resembling a mayfly
2. history
a small cannon
3. an obsolete word for dragon
Word origin
Old English draca, ultimately from Latin dracōdragon
Drake in British English
(dreɪk)
noun
Sir Francis. ?1540–96, English navigator and buccaneer, the first Englishman to sail around the world (1577–80). He commanded a fleet against the Spanish Armada (1588) and contributed greatly to its defeat
Drake in American English
(dreɪk)
Sir Francis1540?-96; Eng. admiral & buccaneer: 1st Englishman to sail around the world
drake in American English1
(dreɪk)
noun
a male duck
Word origin
ME < WGmc *drako, male, as in OHG anutrehho, lit., duck-male