ZEBU

zebu

(noun) domesticated ox having a humped back and long horns and a large dewlap; used chiefly as a draft animal in India and east Asia

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

zebu (plural zebus)

A domesticated ox native to Asia and Africa, having a large fleshy hump on its back and a dewlap (Bos primigenius indicus).

Synonyms

• Indian ox

Source: Wiktionary

Ze"bu, n. [zébu; of uncertain origin.] (Zoöl.)

Definition: A bovine mammal (Ros Indicus) extensively domesticated in India, China, the East Indies, and East Africa. It usually has short horns, large pendulous ears, slender legs, a large dewlap, and a large, prominent hump over the shoulders; but these characters vary in different domestic breeds, which range in size from that of the common ox to that of a large mastiff.

Note: Some of the varieties are used as beasts of burden, and some fore for riding, while others are raised for their milk and flesh. The Brahmin bull, regarded as sacred by the Hindoos, also belongs to this species. The male is called also Indian bull, Indian ox, Madras ox, and sacred bull.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition