ˈbu̇shmən noun
( plural bushmen )
Etymology: modification (influenced by bush ) (I) of obsolete Afrikaans boschjesman, from boschjes (gen. of obsolete boschje, diminutive of bosch forest — now bos ) + man, from Middle Dutch; akin to Old High German man person, man — more at boschbok , man
1. usually capitalized : one of a race of nomadic hunters of southern Africa now chiefly confined to the Kalahari desert that are of short stature and have leathery yellow skin, a flat triangular face, often excessive development of fat on the buttocks especially of females, and low cranial capacity
2. usually capitalized : a Khoisan language of the Bushmen
3.
[ bush (I) + man ]
chiefly Australia
a. : one that lives in the bush
b. : one skilled in bushcraft
c. : farmer , rube , hick