the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. A South American bird, of the genus Aramus, allied to the rails.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. The book-name of birds of the genus Aramus: as, the scolopaceous courlan, Aramus scolopaceus, of South America. Also called carau, crying-bird, and limpkin.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. wading bird of South America and Central America
Word Usage
"One is the courlan, called "crazy widow" from its mourning plumage and long melancholy screams, which on still evenings may be heard a league away."