laughing jackass

American  

noun

1. kookaburra.

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laughing jackass British  

noun

1. another name for kookaburra

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Etymology

Origin of laughing jackass

First recorded in 1780–90; so called because of its loud braying sound

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

laughing jackass

In the Zoological Gardens of Adelaide I saw the only laughing jackass that ever showed any disposition to be courteous to me.

From Following the Equator, Part 2 by Twain, Mark

The laughing jackass is almost as useful as a clock, and it is called, "the bushman's clock."

From Far Off by Mortimer, Favell Lee

This was very clever and very plucky; nevertheless, a tame laughing jackass that Harry had in a huge cage was to them a pet aversion.

From From Squire to Squatter A Tale of the Old Land and the New by Stables, Gordon

It is doubtful whether the laughing jackass destroys snakes.

From Australian Pictures Drawn with Pen and Pencil by Willoughby, Howard

The laughing jackass, or settler's-clock is an uncouth looking creature of an ashen brown colour .

From Austral English A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia by Morris, Edward Ellis