prion

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


a sea-bird. See Dove-Petrel.(Grk. priown, a saw.) The sides of its bill are likethe teeth of a saw.

1885. W. O. Legge, `Australasian Association for theAdvancement of Science' (Brisbane), p. 448:

«The name Prion, as almost universally applied elsewhere to the

Blue Petrels, has been kept [in Australia] as an English name.»

Prop, v. of a horse: to stop suddenly.

1870. E. B. Kennedy, `Four Years in Queensland,' p. 194:

«Another man used to teach his horse (which was free fromvice) to gallop full speed up to the verandah of a house, andwhen almost against it, the animal would stop in his stride (orprop), when the rider vaulted lightly over his head on to theverandah.»

1880. W. Senior, `Travel and Trout,' p.52:

«How on a sudden emergency the sensible animal willinstantaneously check his impetuosity, `prop,' and swing roundat a tangent.»

1884. Rolf Boldrewood,' Melbourne Memories,' c. xxi. p. 152:

«Traveller's dam had an ineradicable taste for propping.»

1885. H. Finch-Hatton, `Advance Australia,' p. 153:

«His horse propped short, and sent him flying over its head.»

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