| 释义 |
anting, vbl. n.|ˈæntɪŋ|
[f. ant + -ing1, after G. einemsen (E. Stresemann 1935, in Ornith. Monatsber. XLIII. 138).]
The action of birds in rubbing on their plumage ants or other insects that secrete acrid juices; also, a similar action of birds with various other objects (see quot. 1959). Hence (as a back-formation) ant v. trans. and intr., to act in this way.
1936Jrnl. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. XXXVIII. 631 Dr. Stresemann suggests the use of a special term for this ‘rubbing in’ process..which may be translated into English..as ‘anting’,—e.g. a bird ants itself or its feathers, even when objects other than ants..are used in the process. 1944Ibis July 404 Some birds..practise ‘anting’ more or less consistently, while others of related species do not ‘ant’ at all. 1959Observer 1 Mar. 19/4 Starlings and rooks will ‘ant’, without ants, on smoking chimney-pots. Tame birds will ant with matches or cigarette ends. |