Ass. Five Hebrew names of the animals of this family occur in the Old Testament. 1. Chamôr denotes the male domestic ass. 2. Athôn, the common domestic she-ass. 3. Aîr, the name of a wild ass, which occurs Genesis 32:15; Genesis 49:11. 4. Pere, a species of wild ass mentioned Genesis 12:16. 5. Arôd occurs only in Job 39:5; but in what respect it diners from the former is uncertain. The ass in eastern countries is a very different animal from what he is in western Europe. The most noble and honorable amongst the Jews were wont to be mounted on asses. The ass to us is a symbol of stubbornness and stupidity, while in the East it is remarkable for its patience, gentleness, intelligence, and great power of endurance. The color is usually a reddish brown, but there are white asses, much prized. The ass was used in peace as the horse was in war; hence the appropriateness of Christ in his triumphal entry riding on an ass. Mr. Layard remarks that in fleetness the wild ass equals the gazelle.