n. [ Cf. F. cannibale. Columbus, in a letter to the Spanish monarchs written in Oct., 1498, mentions that the people of Haiti lived in great fear of the Caribales (equivalent to E. Caribbees.), the inhabitants of the smaller Antilles; which form of the name was afterward changed into NL. Canibales, in order to express more forcibly their character by a word intelligible through a Latin root “propter rabiem caninam anthropophagorum gentis.” The Caribbees call themselves, in their own language. Calinago, Carinago, Calliponam, and, abbreviated, Calina, signifying a brave, from which Columbus formed his Caribales. ] A human being that eats human flesh; hence, any that devours its own kind. Darwin. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Relating to cannibals or cannibalism. “Cannibal terror.” Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]
adj. resembling a beast; showing lack of human sensibility.
n. [ Cf. F. cannibalisme. ] The act or practice of eating human flesh by mankind. Hence; Murderous cruelty; barbarity. Berke. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. i. & t. same as cannibalise. [ WordNet 1.5 ]
adv. In the manner of cannibal. “An he had been cannibally given.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]