bull-roarer

[ bool-rawr-er, -rohr- ]

noun

1. a wooden slat that produces a roaring sound when whirled around one's head on the end of a string or thong, used by some peoples of the world in religious ceremonies and by others as a toy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bull-roarer¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

In many instances a secret ceremonial object is used,—a bull roarer in the rain making ceremonies.

From Project Gutenberg

The bull-roarer, indeed, is an instrument of tone and noise that is to be found only among relatively primitive peoples.

From Project Gutenberg

Nevertheless, there has been discovered, again among the Bushmen, a form of bull-roarer of an especially primitive character.

From Project Gutenberg

This tone, however, is not capable of further perfection, so that no other musical instrument developed from the bull-roarer.

From Project Gutenberg

Here it is employed as an instrument of noise and magic, similarly to the bull-roarer of the Australians.

From Project Gutenberg