noun
shrike's larder; impaled prey
Refers to the behavior of shrikes (モズ) impaling prey on thorns or twigs for later eating. Often used in the phrase モズのはやにえ. This is the primary modern meaning.
See also: モズのはやにえ
モズのはやにえは、冬の観察会でよく話題になる。
The shrike's larder is a common topic at winter nature observation events.
庭の木に、はやにえを見つけた。
I found impaled prey on a tree in the garden.
noun
first offering of the season
Original meaning: the first harvest or catch offered to the gods. Now rare and mostly historical; the modern word is usually associated with the shrike behavior.
古い文献では、はやにえは神への初物の供え物を指した。
In old texts, はやにえ referred to the first seasonal offering to the gods.
From 早 (haya, 'early') + 贄 (nie, 'offering'), originally meaning the first offering of the season. The modern meaning derives from the shrike's habit of impaling prey early for later consumption.