donkey

Meaning

Noun

• A domestic animal, Equus asinus asinus (subspecies), similar to a horse.
• A stubborn person.
• A fool.
• A small auxiliary engine.
• A box or chest, especially a toolbox.
• A bad poker player.

Related

Narrower meaning words

• jack
• jackass
• jenny

Origin

• The origin is uncertain. Originally a slang term from the late eighteenth century. Perhaps from Middle English *donekie, a double diminutive of Middle English don, dun, dunne, equivalent to modern English dun + + . Compare Middle English donning, English dunnock.