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Webster 1913 Edition

Hippopotamus

Hipˊpo-pot′a-mus

,
Noun.
;
pl. E.
Hippopotamuses
(#)
, L.
Hippopotami
(#)
.
[L., from Gr.[GREEK];
ἵπποσ
horse + [GREEK] river. Cf.
Equine
.]
(Zool.)
A large, amphibious, herbivorous mammal (
Hippopotamus amphibius
), common in the rivers of tropical Africa. It is allied to the hogs, and has a very thick, naked skin, a thick and square head, a very large muzzle, small eyes and ears, thick and heavy body, and short legs. It is supposed to be the behemoth of the Bible. Called also
zeekoe
, and
river horse
. A smaller species (
Hippopotamus Liberiencis
) inhabits Western Africa.

Webster 1828 Edition

Hippopotamus

HIPPOPOT'AMUS

,
Noun.
[Gr. a horse, and a river.] The river-horse, an animal that inhabits the Nile and other rivers in Africa. This animal resembles a hog rather than a horse, and was named perhaps from his neighing voice. He has been found of the length of 17 feet. He delights in the water, but feeds on herbage on land.

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