‖Indlovu, noun

/ɪnˈɮɔːvu/
Forms:
Also Ndlovu, and with small initial.
Origin:
IsiXhosa, isiZuluShow more IsiXhosa and isiZulu indlovu elephant.
‘Elephant’, an honorific title used in Nguni society of kings and princes, as a clan name, praise name, or surname. See also Ndlovukazi, Ngonyama sense 1.
[1934 Friend 23 Feb. (Swart)The natives then gave the Prince the name of ‘a ngangendlovu’ (hail, mighty elephant), and by this name His Royal Highness will, in future, be known throughout the Ciskei by this and future generations.]
1975 Daily Dispatch 27 Mar. (Suppl.) 12In a deep memory of my father..who passed away on the 20th February, 1971. Ndlovu, Msutu, You are still in mind of your daughter.
1978 A. Elliott Sons of Zulu 99The king is still the father figure and hereditary sovereign of the nation. His people call him Ngonyama or Lion and sometimes he is called Ndlovu (elephant). This latter title, however, today appears to be less used except when referring to the past ‘father’ kings.
[1987 H. Goosen in S. Afr. Panorama May 18The elephant features as the centre-piece of the Zulu coat-of-arms..while its Zulu name indlovu is traditionally an honorary title for kings.]
‘Elephant’, an honorific title used in Nguni society of kings and princes, as a clan name, praise name, or surname.
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19341987

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IsiXhosa
IsiZulu
indlamu, nounn.indlunkulu, nounn.
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