eleˈphanta
Also (corruptly) elephanter.
[a. Pg. elephante: see quot. 1698.]
= elephant 8.
| [1698 Fryer Acc. E. India & P. 48 (Yule) We are now winding about the South-West part of Ceilon; where we have the Tail of the Elephant full in our mouth; a constellation by the Portugals called Rabo del Elephanto, known for the breaking up of the Munsoons, which is the last Flory this season makes.] 1725 J. Reynolds View Death (1735) 24 Till..Enters th' elephanta with thundring noise. 1772 Grose Voy. E. Indies I. 33 (Y.) The setting in of the rains is commonly ushered in by a violent thunderstorm, generally called the Elephanta. 1852 Life in Bombay 194 A tremendous burst of thunder and lightning, termed the Elephanta..The heavy thunderclouds..apparently form directly over the Island of Elephanta. 1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., Elephanter, a heavy periodical rain of Bombay. |