| 释义 |
‖ springbok|sprɪŋbɒk|
Also 8–9 -bock, 9 -boc.
[Cape Du., f. springen to spring + bok goat, antelope.]
1. A species of antelope, Antilope euchore, abounding in South Africa, characterized by a habit of springing almost directly upwards when excited or disturbed. Cf. springer1 3 b.
α1775Phil Trans. LXVI. 283 We saw some herds of the spring-bocks, a species of antelope. 1777Forster Voy. round World I. 84 The spring-bock..live in vast herds in the interior part of Africa. 1827Griffith tr. Cuvier IV. 17 The Springbock, or Pouched Gazelle. 1871Darwin Desc. Man ii. xvii. (1890) 509 The spring-boc..has rather short upright horns.
β1785G. Forster tr. Sparrman's Voy. Cape G. Hope (1786) II. 83 This animal, which is called by the colonists Spring-bok. 1834Pringle Afr. Sk. 1 A tame springbok followed him. 1850R. G. Cumming Hunter's Life S. Afr. (1902) 18/1 The extraordinary manner in which springboks are capable of springing is best seen when they are chased by a dog. 1880Silver & Co.'s S. Africa (ed. 3) 171 Immense migratory troops of the graceful spring-bok also cover these plains.
attrib.1884Pall Mall G. 8 Aug. 3/2 A most successful attempt to bring springbok venison fresh to England.
2. pl. (usu. with capital initial).
a. A nickname for a South African national sporting team or touring party. Also sing., one who represents South Africa in international sport.
1906S. African News Weekly 3 Oct. 24/1 A crowd of 9,000..accorded the springboks a great reception as they walked on the field. 1932Grocott's Mail (Grahamstown, S. Afr.) 2 Jan. 3 It cannot be said that many English rugby critics strongly favour England's chance against the Springboks on Saturday. 1959Cape Argus 23 Jan. 19/6 (heading) Hockey Springboks train. 1970Times 5 Feb. 9/3 Such an admission would be a natural sequel to our recent failure to protect our Springbok guests from repeated insult and persecution. 1975Country Life 16 Jan. 137/3 The French, who lost both their matches against the Springboks..are often underestimated.
b. A nickname for a contingent of South African troops. Also sing., a South African soldier.
1916‘Captain’ (title) With the Springboks in Egypt. 1925Fraser & Gibbons Soldier & Sailor Words 267 Springboks.., the South African contingent in the war. From their badge, the Colonial emblem of a springbok antelope. 1943J. Burger Black Man's Burden 236 The Springboks (Union troops) are spoken of as the successors to the pioneer Voortrekkers. 1944Eastern Province Herald 25 Aug. 1 The company is doing urgent tank maintenance and repair work for the Fifth and Eighth armies; and the Marshall said that he was impressed by the efficiency of the Springbok ‘backroom boys’. |