rapacious

RAPA'CIOUS, a. [L. rapax, from rapio, to seize. See Rap.]

1. Given to plunder; disposed or accustomed to seize by violence; seizing by force; as a rapacious enemy.

Well may thy lord, appeas'd redeem thee quite from death's rapacious claim.

2. Accustomed to seize for food; subsisting on prey or animals seized by violence; as a rapacious tiger; a rapacious fowl.