cockatoo

 
Pronunciation: /kɒkəˈtuː/

noun

  • 1a parrot with an erectile crest, found in Australia, eastern Indonesia, and neighbouring islands.
    • Family Cacatuidae (or Psittacidae): several genera and numerous species
  • 2Australian/NZ informal a small-scale farmer.
  • 3Australian/NZ informal a lookout posted by those engaged in illegal activity: he is alleged to act as cockatoo during these meetings

Origin:

mid 17th century: from Dutch kaketoe, from Malay kakatua, the spelling influenced by cock1. cockatoo (sense 2), cockatoo (sense 3) date from the 19th century