Elephantry

/ˈɛləfəntri/ noun

Definition

Archaic or rare term for the practice of using elephants in war or military service, or for the collection and management of war elephants.

Etymology

From 'elephant' plus the suffix '-ry' (skill, art, practice, or collection of), following the pattern of words like 'archery,' 'cavalry,' and 'infantry.'

Kelly Says

Elephantry was an actual military discipline in ancient India and Southeast Asia, with generals training war elephants like tanks—the extinction of the term mirrors how modern warfare made elephant cavalry obsolete!

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