[ze.bra] n, pl zebras [Pg zebra, zebro wild ass, perh. fr. L equiferus, kind of wild horse, fr. equus horse + ferus wild--more at equine, fierce] (1600) 1 pl also zebra : any of several fleet African mammals (Equus burchelli, E. grevyi, and E. zebra) related to the horse but distinctively and conspicuously patterned in stripes of black or dark brown and white or buff
2. [fr. the shirts patterned in black and white stripes worn by football referees]: referee 2
3: zebra crossing -- ze.brine adj or n