[ad. L. būbalus (ad. Gr. βούβαλος) an ox-like antelope; also misapplied to a kind of wild ox; cf. BUFFALO.] Used to render L. būbalus: a. (in early examples) with uncertain meaning (antelope or buffalo). b. (mod. Zool.) A species of antelope (Antilope bubalus) found in N. Africa.
1461–83. Liber Niger Edw. IV., in Ord. R. Househ., 17. Many fatte buballes, al maner pultry.
1483. Caxton, Gold. Leg., 72/2. Salomon had dayly … veneson that was taken as hertes, ghotes, bubals.
1873. Tristram, Moab, ix. 168. Antelopes … the oryx antelope and the bubale.
