camel

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A mammalian beast of burden, much used in desert areas, of the genus Camelus.

   Returne our Mules and emptie Camels backe, That we may trauell into Siria, […]

2. 2
   noun

   A vessel or tank, typically paired, used to make an object more buoyant.

   Near-synonym: pontoon

3. 3
   noun

   A fairy chess piece that is moved three squares in one direction and one at right angles to that direction in a single move, leaping over any intervening pieces.

   The fers and camel can reach all the cells of one colour. The others are more restricted; the dummy cannot move at all, and the commuter can only move back and forth between two cells.

4. 4
   adj

   Of a light brown color like that of a camel.

   […] try to select accessories that are in the same color family as your coat," says millinery designer Patricia Underwood. To pick up the weave of a brown tweed jacket, for instance, choose a camel hat and black gloves.

5. 5
   noun

   A cigarette of a popular American brand.

   Mr. Martin bought the pack of Camels on Monday night in the most crowded cigar store on Broadway.

6. 6
   noun

   cud-chewing mammal used as a draft or saddle animal in desert regions

7. 7
   noun

   A light brownish color, like that of a camel (also called camel brown).

8. 8
   noun

   A person of Middle Eastern origin.

Etymology

From Middle English camel, through Old English camel and Old Northern French camel (Old French chamel, modern French chameau), from Latin camēlus, from Ancient Greek κάμηλος (kámēlos), from a Semitic source, ultimately from Proto-Semitic *gamal-; compare Arabic جَمَل (jamal), Hebrew גמל (gamál), Aramaic ܓܡܠܐ (gamlā), Coptic ϭⲁⲙⲟⲩⲗ (čamoul). As a marine device, from Dutch. As an ethnic slur, short for camelfucker, camel jockey, etc.