Definition

Noun: A caber is a long, heavy, wooden pole, typically made from the trunk of a young fir tree. It is used in the traditional Scottish athletic event where competitors toss it end-over-end as a test of strength and skill.

Usage

The word caber is used almost exclusively in the context of the Scottish Highland Games. It refers specifically to the object being thrown in the event known as "tossing the caber" or "caber toss."

Examples

• The athlete lifted the massive caber and balanced it against his shoulder.
• The traditional sport of tossing the caber requires immense strength and perfect technique.
• They selected a straight, young tree to be used as the caber for the competition.

Advanced Usage

• To toss / throw the caber: This is the standard phrase for the act of performing the sport.
  • His dream was to learn how to toss the caber like a true Highlander.

Variants and Related Words

• Caber toss (n.): The name of the athletic event itself.
  • The caber toss is always a highlight of the Highland Games.

Synonyms

• Pole: A general term for a long, cylindrical piece of wood or metal.
• Log: A length of a tree trunk, especially when cut for timber.

Note: While "pole" and "log" are general synonyms for a long piece of wood, they do not carry the specific cultural and sporting connotations of a caber.

Noun

1. a heavy wooden pole (such as the trunk of a young fir) that is tossed as a test of strength (in the Highlands of northern Scotland)