/mar"euh booh'/ , n.
1. any of three large storks of the genus Leptoptilus, of Africa or the East Indies, having soft, downy feathers under the wings and tail that are used for making a furlike trimming for women's hats and garments.
2. one of the feathers.
3. the trimming or material made of the feathers.
4. thrown silk that can be dyed without being scoured.
Also, marabout .
[ 1815-25; marabout lit., MARABOUT ]