marabou
marabou Lexical Profile
marabou Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The soft, fluffy down or feathers obtained from the tail and wings of the marabou stork, traditionally used in millinery and as trimming for garments.
"The vintage burlesque dancer draped a luxurious boa made of pink marabou over her shoulders."
A large scavenging stork native to sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by a naked head and neck, a massive bill, and a large pendulous throat pouch.
"During the dry season, a large flock of marabous gathered near the shrinking watering hole to scavenge."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from French 'marabout', ultimately from Arabic 'murābiṭ' (hermit, Muslim holy man). The bird was given this name due to its bald head and solemn, quiet demeanor, which was thought to resemble an old, solitary holy man.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.