ankus

American  

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

noun

ankuses plural

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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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• ankuses
  plural
• ankus
  plural

Etymology

Origin of ankus

1885–90; < Hindi; akin to angle ²

Example Sentences

Deesa handed Chihun the heavy ankus, the iron elephant-goad.

From The Kipling Reader Selections from the Books of Rudyard Kipling by Kipling, Rudyard

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

When he reached the top of the steps no amount of whacking with the ankus could make him turn to the right and follow the city street.

From Caves of Terror by Mundy, Talbot

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

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