ass

ass¹ / as/ • n. 1. a hoofed mammal (genus Equus) of the horse family with a braying call, typically smaller than a horse and with longer ears. The two species are E. africanus of Africa, which is the ancestor of the domestic ass or donkey, and E. hemionus of Asia. ∎  (in general use) a donkey. 2. inf. a foolish or stupid person. PHRASAL VERBS: make an ass of oneself inf. behave in a way that makes one look foolish or stupid. ass² (Brit. arse) • n. vulgar slang a person’s buttocks or anus. ∎ a stupid, irritating, or contemptible person. ∎  women regarded as a source of sexual gratification. ∎  oneself (used in phrases for emphasis): get your ass in here fast the bureaucrat who wants everything in writing so as to cover his ass. DERIVATIVES: assed / ast/ adj. [in comb.] fat-assed guys.

ass Wild, speedy, long-eared member of the horse family found in African and Asian desert and mountain areas. Smaller than the horse, it has a short mane and tail, small hoofs and dorsal stripes. The three African races (species Equus asinus) are the Nubian, North African and the rare Somali. Height: 90–150cm (3–5ft) at shoulder. Asian races are the kiang and the onager. Family Equidae.

ass donkey OE.; stupid person XV. OE. assa — OCelt. *as(s)in (W. asyn) — L. asinus. Gmc. *asiluz (— L. asinus or asellus) is repr. by OE. e(o)sol, OS., OHG. esil (Du. ezel EASEL, G. esel), Goth. asilus.