noun

1. any of a number of large birds of prey with a naked, usually brightly colored head and dark plumage, including the Old World vultures (family Accipitridae) and the New World vultures (family Cathartidae); esp., the New World turkey vulture: they feed chiefly or entirely on carrion and are found in tropical and temperate regions
2. any greedy and ruthless person who preys on others

Etymology: ME vultur < L, akin to vellere, to tear: see vulnerable