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

See Examples For:

bull-roarer

According to Clemens Alexandrinus**** and other authorities, the Titans won his heart with toys, including the bull-roarer or turn-dun of the Australians.****

From Myth, Ritual And Religion, Vol. 2 (of 2) by Lang, Andrew

In a very interesting lecture delivered at the Royal Institution, Mr. Taylor once exhibited a bull-roarer.

From Custom and Myth New Edition by Lang, Andrew

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

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

First, the bull-roarer is to be found in almost every country in the world, and among the most primitive peoples.

From Storyology Essays in Folk-Lore, Sea-Lore, and Plant-Lore by Taylor, Benjamin