ˈhär]d.əˌbēst, ˈhȧ], ]təˌ-, ]tˌ- noun
( plural hartebeests also hartebeest )
Etymology: obsolete Afrikaans (now hartbees ), from Dutch hartebeest, hertebeest deer, from hart, hert deer, stag (from Middle Dutch hert ) + beest beast, from Middle Dutch beeste, beest, from Old French beste; akin to Old English heort, heorot hart — more at hart , beast
1. : a large nearly exterminated African antelope ( Alcelaphus caama ) that is grayish brown in color with a yellow patch on the buttocks, black markings on the face, and ringed divergent horns bent back at the tips — compare sassaby
2. : any of several other African antelopes of the genus Alcelaphus — compare northern hartebeest