OROMBARROS, s. This odd word seems to have been used as [griffin] (q.v.) now is. It is evidently the Malay orang-baharu, or orang bharu, 'a new man, a novice.' This is interesting as showing an unquestionable instance of an expression imported from the Malay factories to Continental India. [Mr. Skeat remarks that the form of the word shows that it came from the Malay under Portuguese influence.]
1711.—At Madras ... "refreshments for the Men, which they are presently supply'ed with from Country Boats and Cattamarans, who make a good Peny at the first coming of Orombarros, as they call those who have not been there before."—Lockyer, 28.
ORTOLAN, s. This name is applied by Europeans in India to a small lark, Calandrella brachydactyla, Temm., in Hind. bargel and bageri, [Skt. varga, 'a troop']. Also sometimes in S. India to the finch-lark, Pyrrhalauda grisea, Scopoli.
OTTA, OTTER, s. Corruption of āṭā, 'flour,' a Hindi word having no Skt. original; [but Platts gives Skt. ārdra, 'soft']. Popular rhyme:
"Aī terī Shekhāwati
Ādhā āṭā ādhā matī!"
"Confound this Shekhawati land,
My bread's half wheat-meal and half sand."
Boileau, Tour through Rajwara, 1837, p. 274.
[1853.—"After travelling three days, one of the prisoners bought some ottah. They prepared bread, some of which was given him; after eating it he became insensible...."—Law Report, in Chevers, Ind. Med. Jurispr. 166.]