Definition

1. Noun:
   • A domesticated beast of burden descended from the African wild ass: The domestic ass is a hoofed mammal, known for its patience and stubbornness, that has been tamed and used by humans for transportation and carrying loads for thousands of years.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The farmer used a domestic ass to carry goods to the market.
  • Domestic asses are known for their endurance in harsh environments.

Advanced Usage

• "To work like a domestic ass": To work very hard and patiently, often without complaint.
  • He worked like a domestic ass all day in the fields.

Variants and Related Words

• Donkey (n): The common name for the domestic ass.
  • The donkey is a familiar sight in rural areas.
• Burro (n): A term, often used in the Americas, for a small domestic ass used as a pack animal.
  • The miners used burros to carry their equipment.

Synonyms

• Donkey: The most common synonym.
• Ass: A formal or zoological term, though in modern casual English it is often avoided due to potential confusion with a vulgar term.
• Pack animal: A general term for an animal used to carry loads.

Related Phrases

• Stubborn as a (domestic) ass: Extremely obstinate or unwilling to change one's mind.
  • Once he makes a decision, he's as stubborn as a domestic ass.

Related Idioms

• "To talk the hind legs off a donkey": To talk excessively and for a long time.
  • She could talk the hind legs off a donkey about her garden.

Noun

1. domestic beast of burden descended from the African wild ass; patient but stubborn