Betusked

/bɪˈtʌskt/ adjective

Definition

Furnished with or having tusks; characterized by the presence of prominent tusks.

Etymology

From 'tusk' (a long pointed tooth, from Middle Low German or Old Norse 'túsk') with the prefix 'be-' meaning 'to furnish with' or 'to have.' This follows the Middle English pattern of creating adjectives with 'be-'.

Kelly Says

A betusked elephant, walrus, or wild boar was a common description in older literature—the 'be-' prefix shows how English writers liked to create vivid adjectives by attaching features to creatures, like a biological inventory system.

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