bull-roarer

American  

[bool-rawr-er, -rohr-] / ˈbʊlˌrɔr ər, -ˌroʊr- /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of bull-roarer

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

To study the bull-roarer is to take a lesson in folklore.

From Custom and Myth New Edition by Lang, Andrew

In Brazil the natives have no bull-roarer, but they have mysteries, and the presence of the women at the mysteries of the men is a terrible impiety.

From Custom and Myth New Edition by Lang, Andrew

The bull-roarer has, of all toys, the widest diffusion, and the most extraordinary history.

From Custom and Myth New Edition by Lang, Andrew

The little opening they had crossed earlier in the day, where Alec would have room to swing his bull-roarer, was moon-sprayed and easy to find.

From We Were There at the Oklahoma Land Run by Kjelgaard, James Arthur

But Greek mysteries retained the daubing with mud and the use of the bull-roarer.

From Custom and Myth New Edition by Lang, Andrew