zebu

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

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

Borrowed from French zébu, probably from Tibetan མཛོ་པོ (mdzo po, “male bull–yak hybrid”), whence also zobo.

The Zebus are spread over India, China, the Archipelago, Madagascar, and several parts of Africa. — Anecdotes of the Habits and Instinct of Animals, R., Mrs. Lee
Among the rare wonders that caught every eye, Demanding a glance from the gay passer-by, Was the Alpaca, Zebu of Indian race, And the Camel, brought up in that beautiful place. — The Peacock 'At Home' AND The Butterfly's Ball AND The Fancy Fair, William Roscoe
Upon the car, which was drawn by four richly caparisoned zebus, stood a hideous statue with four arms, the body coloured a dull red, with haggard eyes, dishevelled hair, protruding tongue, and lips tinted with betel. — Around the World in Eighty Days, Jules Verne

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