talapoin

noun

tal·​a·​poin

ˈtaləˌpȯin,

-pwan

plural -s

: a western African monkey (Cercopithecus talapoin) that is the smallest of the guenons and is olivaceous above and whitish beneath with a black face and yellowish whiskers

Word History

Etymology

French, Buddhist monk, talapoin (from its fancied resemblance to a Buddhist monk), from Portuguese talapão (plural talapões) Buddhist monk, from Mon tala poi our lord (title of respect)

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