Also (corruptly) elephanter. [a. Pg. elephante: see quot. 1698.] = ELEPHANT 8.
[1698. Fryer, Acc. E. India & P., 48 (Yule). We are now winding about the South-West part of Ceilon; where we have the Tail of the Elephant full in our mouths; a Constellation by the Portugals called Rabo del Elephanto, known for the breaking up of the Munsoons, which is the last Flory this Season makes.]
1725. J. Reynolds, View of Death (1735), 24. Till … Enters th’ elephanta with thundring noise.
1772. Grose, Voy. E. Indies, I. 33 (Y.). The setting in of the rains is commonly ushered in by a violent thunderstorm, generally called the Elephanta.
1852. Life in Bombay, 194. A tremendous burst of thunder and lightning, termed the Elephanta … The heavy thunderclouds … apparently form directly over the Island of Elephanta.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Elephanter. A heavy periodical rain of Bombay.
