markhor

[ mahr-kawr ]

noun

, plural mar·khors, (especially collectively) mar·khor.

1. a wild goat, Capra falconeri, of mountainous regions from Afghanistan to India, having compressed, spiral horns and long, shaggy hair: all populations are threatened or endangered.

markhor

/ ˈmɑːkʊə; ˈmɑːkɔː /

noun

1. a large wild Himalayan goat, Capra falconeri, with a reddish-brown coat and large spiralled horns

Word History and Origins

Origin of markhor¹

1865–70; < Persian mārkhōr literally, serpent-eater, equivalent to mār snake + -khōr eating; manticore

Word History and Origins

Origin of markhor¹

C19: from Persian, literally: snake-eater, from mār snake + -khōr eating

Example Sentences

He peopled the hills with anything they had a mind to slay—thar, ibex, or markhor, and bear by Elisha's allowance.

From Project Gutenberg

No animal's pursuit leads the sportsman over such dangerous ground as that of the markhor.

From Project Gutenberg

The markhor frequents steep and rocky ground above the forests in summer, but descending in the winter.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a wooden verandah, the corners of which were ornamented with the horns of the markhor, or mountain goat.

From Project Gutenberg

Of wild animals the chief are the markhor (a goat) and the oorial (a sheep).

From Project Gutenberg