Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - zebra

 noun  (plural ~s)  Etymology: Portuguese ~, zebro wild ass, perhaps from Latin equiferus, kind of wild horse, from equus horse + ferus wild — more at equine, fierce  Date: 1600  1. plural also ~ any of several fleet African mammals (Equus burchelli, East grevyi, and E. ~) related to the horse but distinctively and conspicuously patterned in stripes of black or dark brown and white or buff  2. from the shirts patterned in black-and-white stripes worn by football referees referee 2  3. ~ crossing  • zebrine adjective or noun