caber

American  

[key-ber] / ˈkeɪ bər /

noun

Scot.

1. a pole or beam, especially one thrown as a trial of strength.

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caber British  

/ ˈkeɪbə, ˈkebər /

noun

1. a heavy section of trimmed tree trunk thrown in competition at Highland games ( tossing the caber )

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Etymology

Origin of caber

First recorded in 1505–15, caber is from the Scots Gaelic word cabar pole

Example Sentences

Crowds from across the globe have attended the Braemar Gathering, the popular Highland Games event, to watch competitors take part in a series of events including the caber toss, hammer throw and tug-o-war.

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2022

They’ll be tossing the caber, blocking the jammer and doing whatever one does in calcio storico fiorentino in “Home Game,” a new docuseries about lesser-known sports from around the globe.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2020

He’s alive and swinging, despite the best intentions of Brienne and Arya, and breathing heavily, like every interesting character on “Game of Thrones” who carries a caber or defies death.

From The New Yorker • Jun. 6, 2016

Although he plays up his roots by donning a kilt or tossing the caber - a Highland sport involving throwing a giant wooden pole - he has impeccable credentials as a German conservative.

From Reuters • Jan. 15, 2013

I began the fun with the hammer and broad jump; I kept it up with the pole vault, the caber and the fifty-six; and I finished it with the high jump and the shot-put.

From Dick Randall The Young Athlete by Clark, Ellery H.