bromvoël, noun

Forms:
broem vogel, bromfogelShow more Formerly also broem vogel, bromfogel, brom vogel, brom-voegel, bromme vogel.
Origin:
Afrikaans, DutchShow more Afrikaans, brom (from Dutch brommen) to growl, mutter + voël (earlier Dutch vogel) bird; see also quotation 1867.
obs. except in historical contexts
The hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri of the Bucerotidae; rainbird sense 2; turkey buzzard.
1827 G. Thompson Trav. 353If a person kill by accident a mayhem, (or Balearic crane) or one of those birds which the Colonists call brom-vogel,..he is obliged to sacrifice a calf or young ox in atonement.
1835 A. Steedman Wanderings I. 236They are considered sacred amongst the Caffers, and are called by the Colonists, Bromme Vogels, from their singular cry, which is deep and harsh.
1867 E.L. Layard Birds of S. Afr. 228Bucorvus Abyssinicus...Brom-Vogel of Colonists...Common on the Eastern Frontier...They get their name from the droning cry they utter.
1918 S.H. Skaife Animal Life in S. Afr. 240The hornbills are..mostly found in forested regions, but some, such as the bromvogel or ground hornbill, frequent open country.
1940 V. Pohl Bushveld Adventures 66The drowsy kuwees of the grey luries, the deep drumming of the bromvoels in the distance..intensified the slumbering spirit that brooded over all.
1994 M. Roberts tr. of J.A. Wahlberg’s Trav. Jrnls 1838–56 35Bromfogel. He throws his food up into the air and allows it to fall into his gullet.
The hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri of the Bucerotidae; rainbird sense 2; turkey buzzard.
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