1. Plural of ankus; a short stick with a curved hook and a sharp point at the end, used to control and guide elephants.
Usage: Also spelled 'ankhs' or 'ankas' in some contexts.; Primarily used in South Asian elephant training and management.

Examples

• The mahout used ankuses to guide the elephants through the temple procession.
• Ankuses are traditional tools in Indian elephant training.
• The museum displayed several ornate ankuses from the colonial period.
• Handlers carry ankuses when working with large elephants.
• Ancient texts describe the proper use of ankuses in elephant management.