from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Emu \E"mu\, n. [Cf. Pg. ema ostrich, F. ['e]mou, ['e]meu, emu.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A large Australian bird, of two species ({Dromaius
Nov[ae]-Hollandi[ae]} and {D. irroratus}), related to the
cassowary and the ostrich. The emu runs swiftly, but is
unable to fly. [Written also {emeu} and {emew}.]
[1913 Webster]
Note: The name is sometimes erroneously applied, by the
Brazilians, to the rhea, or South American ostrich.
[1913 Webster]
{Emu wren}. See in the Vocabulary.
[1913 Webster]