caber

American  

[key-ber] / ˈkeɪ bər /

noun

Scot.

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

---

caber British  

/ ˈkeɪbə, ˈkebər /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of caber

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

Example Sentences

Competitors took part in traditional games including tug-of-war and the caber toss, and enjoyed performances by bagpipers, drummers and dancers.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2024

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

"They are preparing the caber, Baron," he remarked genially.

From Count Bunker: being a bald yet veracious chronicle containing some further particulars of two gentlemen whose previous careers were touched upon in a tome entitled the Lunatic at Large by Clouston, J. Storer (Joseph Storer)