mar|a|bout

mar|a|bout¹ «MAR uh boo», noun.

1. any one of several varieties of large, white-bodied storks of Africa and Asia; adjutant.

2. a furlike trimming made from its soft, white, downy feathers, used especially on women's hats, dresses, and boas.

3. a) a silk that is nearly pure-white in the raw state. b) a delicate cloth made from it.

╂[< marabout² (because the bird appears reflective)]

mar|a|bout² «MAR uh boot», noun.

1. a Muslim holy man or ascetic of northern Africa.

2. the tomb of such a holy man, serving as a shrine.

╂[< French marabout < Arabic murābit hermit]