[S. African Du., f. klip rock + springer SPRINGER.] A small S. African antelope (Oreotragus saltatrix, or Nanotragus oreotragus).
1786. G. Forster, trans. Sparrman’s Voy. Cape G. Hope, II. 224. The klip-springer has obtained the name it bears,… from its running with the greatest velocity, and making large bounds even on the steepest precipices.
1834. Pringle, Afr. Sk., vi. 204. Several species of beautiful wild animals,… such as the quagga, zebra,… klipspringer.
1885. W. Greswell, in Macm. Mag., Feb., 280/1. The klip-springer, the little chamois that is so clever at eluding dogs and men in the recesses of the neighbouring mountains.
