baboon spider

noun

: tarantula sense 1
used especially of African tarantulas
It's been said that during his very early childhood in South Africa, he [J. R. R. Tolkien] was bitten by a baboon spider—an event thought to have inspired his stories.Western Daily Press (Bristol, England)

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baboon spider was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near baboon spider

Cite this Entry

“Baboon spider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baboon%20spider. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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