adjutant bird

noun

variants or adjutant stork or less commonly adjutant crane

: any of several large upright storks (genus Leptoptilos) having the head and neck bare of feathers and feeding on carrion or on small aquatic animals or snakes: such as

a

: an Indian stork (L. dubius) that attains a height of seven feet

b

: a smaller Indian stork (L. javanicus)

Word History

Etymology

probably so called from its fancied resemblance to a military figure pacing a parade ground

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now