mouton
UK[ˈmuːtɒn]US[ˈmuːtɑːn]
n
The dressed skin of a sheep, processed to resemble beaver or seal fur.
n
A sheep, especially one that is mature.
Etymology
The word 'mouton' entered English directly from French, retaining its original spelling and core meaning related to sheep. In French, it evolved from the Old French 'moton', which derived from the Medieval Latin 'multo', a term for a ram. This Latin form is believed to have Celtic (Gaulish) roots. In English, its usage specialized in the fur trade to denote sheepskin processed to imitate more expensive furs, while the original French meaning of "sheep" is also used in specific, often heraldic or literary, contexts.
Analysis
The entire word 'mouton' is a loanword from French, where it means "sheep". Its ultimate origin is the Late Latin 'multo, multonis', likely of Gaulish origin.
Examples
The collar of the coat was trimmed with mouton.
In heraldry, a mouton is often depicted as a symbol of patience and perseverance.
The vintage jacket was made from high-quality dyed mouton.