kraal

or craal

[ krahl ]

noun

1. an enclosure for cattle and other domestic animals in southern Africa.
2. a village of the Native peoples of South Africa, usually surrounded by a stockade or the like and often having a central space for livestock.
3. such a village as a social unit.
4. an enclosure where wild animals are exhibited, as in a zoo.

verb (used with object)

1. to shut up in an enclosure or pen, as cattle.

kraal

/ krɑːl /

noun

1. a hut village in southern Africa, esp one surrounded by a stockade
2. an enclosure for livestock

adjective

1. denoting or relating to the tribal aspects of the Black African way of life

verb

1. tr to enclose (livestock) in a kraal

Word History and Origins

Origin of kraal¹

First recorded in 1725–35; from Afrikaans, from Portuguese curral “pen”; corral

Word History and Origins

Origin of kraal¹

C18: from Afrikaans, from Portuguese curral pen; see corral

Example Sentences

They had come down from the kraal to enjoy the sport and get some of the meat, of which they are particularly fond.

From Project Gutenberg

Yis, all alone, sept de two tousand Caffres ob de kraal; but dey is nobody—only black beasts.

From Project Gutenberg

Then after a consultation among themselves, one of the men turned and went into the kraal again.

From Project Gutenberg

After dinner I walked over to a Kaffir kraal and bought fuel, and two infants' copper bangles.

From Project Gutenberg

Most of the inhabitants of the kraal had retired within the huts, for there was a chill feeling in the air.

From Project Gutenberg