bontebok

[ bon-tee-bok ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural bon·te·boks, (especially collectively) bon·te·bok.

a purplish-red antelope, Damaliscus dorcas, of southern Africa, having a white face and rump: now nearly extinct.

bontebok

/ ˈbɒntɪˌbʌk /

an antelope, Damaliscus pygargus (or dorcas ), of southern Africa, having a deep reddish-brown coat with a white blaze, tail, and rump patch

1780–90; < Afrikaans, equivalent to bont piebald (≪ Medieval Latin punctus dotted; point ) + bok buck ¹

C18: Afrikaans, from bont pied + bok buck ¹

Herds of gnus and bontebok bounded over the plains, and many solitary antelopes started from their lairs as he approached them.

His horns are of a light colour, nearly white, while those of the bontebok are black.

The bontebok is not only one of the loveliest antelopes in Africa, but one of the swiftest.

Hence the name “bontebok,” or “painted buck,” as given by the Dutch colonists to this species.

Bontebok: About 30 in Bredasdorp and 45 in Swellendam divisions.

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