gnu
(nuː)
Also 8 gnoo.
[Hottentot word.]
A South African quadruped (Catoblepas gnu), belonging to the antelope family, but resembling an ox or buffalo in shape; also known by its Dutch name wildebeest. The brindled gnu (Catoblepas gorgon) is a distinct species.
| 1777 G. Forster Voy. round World I. 83 There is another species of wild ox, called by the natives gnoo. 1786 Sparrmann Voy. Cape G.H. II. 132 The gnu resembles the antilopes and capræ in its hair, inasmuch as this is short. 1834 Pringle Afr. Sk. viii. 273 The gnu, which is now become rare. 1857 Livingstone Trav. iii. 56 The presence of the..gnu is always a certain indication of water. 1884–5 Riverside Nat. Hist. (1888) V. 341 The Brindled gnu or Blue Wildebeest..(Catoblephas gorgon) is still found in Zululand, and abundant in Damaraland. |