sacred ibis

American  

noun

1. an African ibis, Threskiornis aethiopica, having a black, naked head and neck and white and black plumage, venerated by the ancient Egyptians.

---

Etymology

Origin of sacred ibis

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Duck, native companion, white crane, and sacred ibis abound here.

From Explorations in Australia The Journals of John McDouall Stuart by Stuart, John McDouall

Examples of these, and of the sacred ibis and dog, are shown in Fig.

From Flags: Some Account of their History and Uses. by Macgeorge, Andrew

The sacred ibis is not found in Egypt, but the buff-backed heron, the constant companion of the buffalo, is usually called an ibis.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 1 "Edwardes" to "Ehrenbreitstein" by Various

Then there are ibis, the sacred ibis of Egypt, truly at home in this splendid sunshine and silent landscape.

From Letters from my Windmill by Daudet, Alphonse

The native companion, the emu, and the sacred ibis are on this creek.

From Explorations in Australia The Journals of John McDouall Stuart by Stuart, John McDouall