from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
giraffe \gi*raffe"\ (j[i^]*r[a^]f"; 277), n. [F. girafe, Sp.
girafa, from Ar. zur[=a]fa, zar[=a]fa.] (Zool.)
An African ruminant ({Giraffa camelopardalis} formerly
{Camelopardalis giraffa}) related to the deers and antelopes,
but placed in a family ({Giraffidae}) by itself; the
camelopard. It is the tallest of quadriped animals, being
sometimes twenty feet from the hoofs to the top of the head.
Its neck is very long, and its fore legs are much longer than
its hind legs. There are three types, having different
patterns of spots on the pelt and different territories: the
{Reticulated Giraffe}, the {Masai Giraffe}, and the {Uganda
Giraffe}. Intermediate crosses are also observed.
[1913 Webster +PJC]