| baboon | <zoology> One of the Old World Quadrumana, of the genera Cynocephalus and Papio; the dog-faced ape. Baboons have dog-like muzzles and large canine teeth, cheek pouches, a short tail, and naked callosities on the buttocks. They are mostly African. See Mandrill, and Chacma, and Drill an ape. Origin: OE. Babewin, baboin, fr.F. Babouin, or LL. Babewynus. Of unknown origin; cf. D. Baviaan, G. Pavian, baboon, F. Babin lip of ape, dogs, etc, dial. G. Bappe mouth. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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