sheep
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.sheep
noun, often attributive \ˈshēp\ plural sheep
Definition of SHEEP
1
: any of various hollow-horned typically gregarious ruminant mammals (genus Ovis) related to the goats but stockier and lacking a beard in the male; specifically : one (O. aries) long domesticated especially for its flesh and wool
2
a : a timid defenseless creature b : a timid docile person; especially : one easily influenced or led
3
: leather prepared from the skins of sheep : sheepskin
See Examples of SHEEP
- <he came to see that the members of the cult were sheep who naively went along with whatever their leader dictated>
Origin of SHEEP
Middle English, from Old English scēap; akin to Old High German scāf sheep
First Known Use: before 12th century
sheep
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Ruminants (bovid genus Ovis) that have scent glands in the face and hind feet. Horns, if present, are more divergent than those of goats. Species range from 80 to 400 lb (35 to 180 kg). The coat of wild species consists of outer hair underlain by wool. Sheep graze in flocks, preferably on short, fine grasses and legumes. They have been domesticated from at least 5000 BC in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia. Most domesticated breeds produce fine wool; the few that produce only hair or coarse or long wool are generally raised for meat. The flesh of mature sheep is called mutton; that of immature sheep is called lamb.
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