oont

noun

1. (Australia, British, India, colloquial)A camel.

   “Very badly wounded man—inaccessible position—stretcher-parties all out of sight—aeroplane can't land for any first-aid nor to pick up the casualty—excellent problem and demonstration. That oont [footnote: Camel.] will simplify it, though. [...] You bring the beast up—you'll be able to ride most of the way if you zig-zag, and lead him most of the rest. Then you'll have to carry the casualty to the oont and bring him down.”

   “Ugliness must not be confused with inutility. Most parts of Northern India and Jammu are infested with Oonts and in the dry sandy regions of Rajasthan and Kutch Oonts proliferate.”

   “[M]ost people are aware of their presence, and are likely to harbor opinions (mostly negative) about feral livestock. A few words pertaining to these animals have been coined or adopted to enrich the national vocabulary. [...] Oont, an appellation for camel, was introduced from British India in the nineteenth century and is now of historical interest only.”

   “'It's a trap!' A furious Goad shouted to the Highlanders: 'Bastards knew it was coming! Grab an oont, lads, one each, lead 'em on!' Seizing headropes they began hauling their animals towards the defile mouth. Gripping the halter just under his camel's jaw to avoid being bitten Colin was nearly swung off his feet as blood ran from its flank. Bullet – or flying chip of rock?”