ankus

American  

[ang-kuhs, uhng-kuhsh] / ˈæŋ kəs, ˈʌŋ kəʃ /

noun

plural

ankus, ankuses

1. an elephant goad of India with a spike and a hook at one end.

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ankus British  

/ ˈæŋkəs /

noun

1. a stick used, esp in India, for goading elephants

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Etymology

Origin of ankus

1885–90; < Hindi; akin to angle ²

Example Sentences

But his keeper gently pricked him with a sharp hook, called an "ankus," and to get away from the prick, which was like the bite of a big fly, Umboo stepped out and walked away.

From Umboo, the Elephant by Garis, Howard Roger

Ah, Sahib," said Ahmed, resting his ankus or goad on the skull of his mount, "there is said to be another prisoner in the palace prison.

From The Adventures of Kathlyn by MacGrath, Harold

It was plain to see that the elephant had felt the prick of the Mahout's ankus.

From Mount Music by Ross, Martin

I spoke to him, scratched his neck with the ankus, but he would not stop.

From Kari the Elephant by Mukerji, Dhan Gopal

Then I shall sit on thy neck, O Kala Nag, with a silver ankus, and men will run before us with golden sticks, crying, `Room for the King's elephant!'

From The Jungle Book by Kipling, Rudyard