Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun One who or that which eats serpents; specifically, a large long-legged raptorial bird of Africa, the secretary-bird (which see, with cut).
- noun A kind of wild goat found in India and Cashmere, Capra megaceros, the markhor: so called from some popular misapprehension.
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
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Examples
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And the Nishadas began to fly in great haste in the direction of the open mouth of the great serpent-eater.
The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 Books 1, 2 and 3 Kisari Mohan [Translator] Ganguli
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And the Nishadas began to fly in great haste in the direction of the open mouth of the great serpent-eater.
The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose Adi Parva Kisari Mohan [Translator] Ganguli
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The serpent-eater is an African bird, and is not peculiar to South Africa alone, as it is found in the Gambia country.
The Bush Boys History and Adventures of a Cape Farmer and his Family Mayne Reid 1850
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The serpent-eater took no heed of their demonstrations, but, approaching the dead cobra, bent over it, and coolly set about making his dinner.
The Bush Boys History and Adventures of a Cape Farmer and his Family Mayne Reid 1850
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It is more properly named the "serpent-eater," and naturalists have given it the title _Gypogeranus_, or "crane-vulture."
The Bush Boys History and Adventures of a Cape Farmer and his Family Mayne Reid 1850
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In the African species the two middle ones are the longest, while in the serpent-eater of the Philippines it is the two outside feathers that project -- giving the bird the appearance of having
The Bush Boys History and Adventures of a Cape Farmer and his Family Mayne Reid 1850
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Before it could recover itself it was once more in the beak of the serpent-eater, and trailing through the air.
The Bush Boys History and Adventures of a Cape Farmer and his Family Mayne Reid 1850
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Of all its names that of "serpent-eater" is the best adapted to the character of the bird.
The Bush Boys History and Adventures of a Cape Farmer and his Family Mayne Reid 1850
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Upon letting fall his prey the serpent-eater did not remain in the air.
The Bush Boys History and Adventures of a Cape Farmer and his Family Mayne Reid 1850
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The serpent-eater is an excellent runner, and spends more time on foot than on the wing.
The Bush Boys History and Adventures of a Cape Farmer and his Family Mayne Reid 1850
hernesheir commented on the word serpent-eater
It's a bird. Wait, it's a goat.
January 10, 2012