Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large African stork: A large, black-and-white African bird of the stork family (Leptoptilos crumenifer) that feeds on carrion (dead animals).
   • A Muslim hermit or saint: (Historical/Regional) A Muslim religious leader, hermit, or saint, particularly in North and West Africa.
   • A shrine or tomb: The tomb or shrine of such a Muslim saint or holy man.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Bird):
  • We saw a marabout stork circling above the carcass on the savanna.
  • The marabout is known for its bald head and large, pouch-like throat.
• Noun (Holy man or shrine):
  • The village sought advice from the local marabout.
  • Pilgrims traveled to visit the marabout of a revered saint.

Advanced Usage

• "Maraboutic" (adjective): Pertaining to or characteristic of a marabout (the holy man).
  • The community followed maraboutic traditions passed down for generations.

Variants and Related Words

• Marabou (noun): An alternative spelling, most commonly used to refer to the bird or its feathers.
  • The trim on her coat was made from marabou feathers.
• Marabou stork (noun): The full common name for the bird .

Synonyms

• Adjutant bird or adjutant stork: Another name for the marabou stork.
• Holy man, saint, dervish: For the religious figure meaning (with varying cultural and religious nuances).

Notes on Different Meanings

The word "marabout" has two distinct primary meanings: 1. Zoological: Refers specifically to the large African carrion-eating stork. 2. Cultural/Religious: Refers to a figure or place of spiritual significance in certain Islamic traditions in Africa. The connection between the two meanings is etymological, with the bird's name deriving from the holy man, possibly due to the bird's perceived solemn, monk-like appearance.

Noun

1. large African black-and-white carrion-eating stork; its downy underwing feathers are used to trim garments