Brewer's: Buzzard

(The) is meant for Dr. Burnett, whose figure was lusty.

“The noble Buzzard ever pleased me best.”

Dryden: Hind and Panter, part iii. 1121.

Buzzard called hawk by courtesy.
It is a euphemism- a brevet rank- a complimentary title. 
Of small renown, 'tis true; for, not to lie, We call [your buzzard] “hawk” by courtesy.

Dryden: Hind and Panther, iii. 1122-3.

Between hawk and buzzard.
Not quite a lady or gentleman, nor quite a servant. Applied to tutors in private houses, bear-leaders, and other grown-up persons who are allowed to come down to dessert, but not to be guests at the dinner-table.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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