pronk, noun

/prɔŋk/, /prɒŋk/
Plurals:
pronks, or (formerly) pronken.
Origin:
Afrikaans, DutchShow more Afrikaans, transferred use of Dutch pronk prank.
A leap, bound, or prance; the characteristic display of the springbok (see pronk verb sense 2).
[1889 H.A. Bryden Kloof & Karroo 226The antelopes became disturbed, and began those extraordinary saltatory accomplishments (‘pronken,’ the Boers term them), from which they take their name.]
[1897 H.A. Bryden Nature & Sport 197Here..is another band suddenly startled into a leaping fit — ‘pronken’ (pranks) the Boers well call these displays.]
1913 C. Pettman Africanderisms 386When making these bounds, pronken, this white hair, which at other times is well-nigh hidden, is made to look like a large plume laid along the back.
1970 C. Kinsley Informant, Koegasbrug, Northern CapePronk. Prancing of a horse or Springbok.
1972 Daily Dispatch 27 July 1The Afrikaans name means the ‘jumping buck’ and this leap is part of a display known as ‘pronk’.
1981 H. Thesen in Outeniqualander 25 June 9More often, it is sheer speed and grace that leaves one silent with wonder; the wild joyous leaps and then the stiff legged bounce ending in that great, arched-neck bound, back crest flaring, the famous ‘pronk’ so characteristic but always so magnificent.
A leap, bound, or prance; the characteristic display of the springbok (see pronk verb sense 2).
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Progressive, nounn.pronk, verbv.
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