n. [ Sp. zambo bandy-legged, the child of a negro and an Indian; prob. of African origin. ] 1. A negro; sometimes, the offspring of a black person and a mulatto; -- formerly used colloquially or with humorous intent, but now considered offensive or racist by African-Americans. [ Derogatory and offensive ] A children's book named Little Black Sambo was at one time popular in elementary schools, but the book has been removed from reading lists in many American schools due to the development of a reduced acceptance of patronizing depictions of negros, as well as the negative associations of the word itself. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC ]

2. In Central America, an Indian and negro half-breed, or mixed blood. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. [ Sp. zambo, sambo. ] A colloquial or humorous appellation for a negro; sometimes, the offspring of a black person and a mulatto; a zambo. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Zool.) Same as Sambur. [ 1913 Webster ]