muntjac

or munt·jak

[ muhnt-jak ]

noun

1. any of various small Asian deer of the genus Muntiacus, noted for its barking call, especially M. muntjac, of South and Southeast Asia, and M. reevesi, native to China and introduced elsewhere, including England, Belgium, and Japan: the male muntjac has a pair of sharp, tusklike canines, and its short, sharp antlers grow from bony pedicles.

muntjac

/ ˈmʌntˌdʒæk /

noun

1. any small Asian deer of the genus Muntiacus, typically having a chestnut-brown coat, small antlers, and a barklike cry Also calledbarking deer

Word History and Origins

Origin of muntjac¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; from Dutch or directly from Sundanese mənyčək “a kind of chevrotain”; the reason for subsequent application to this deer is uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of muntjac¹

C18: probably changed from Javanese mindjangan deer

Example Sentences

Before we reached them Harry appeared, smiling all over, and dragging a muntjac (Muntiacus) by the fore legs.

From Project Gutenberg

We hoped that this muntjac was going to prove a "good joss," but instead a disappointing day was in store for us.

From Project Gutenberg

The men assured us that there were sambur, serow, and muntjac in the neighborhood, and they agreed to hunt.

From Project Gutenberg

One day they brought in a fine muntjac buck which had been killed with their crossbows and poisoned darts.

From Project Gutenberg

Heller shot three muntjac at Hui-yao, besides the doe which he killed on the first day.

From Project Gutenberg