Random Word Post – mouton
@oneoveralpha (434)
Brookville, Pennsylvania
April 17, 2016 5:09pm CST
I find a random word by flipping through my 2003 The New Webster’s Concise Dictionary and write a quick – often silly – little post about it.
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“mouton – Processed sheepskin dyed and cut to resemble beaver or seal.”
I’m not sure where to begin with this one. On one hand it makes sense because there are more sheep than seals, but is it so important to have imitation sealskin than you just can’t call it sheepskin? What’s the point?
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1 response
@Ruby3881 (1963)
• Canada
18 Apr 16
I wonder if this word has its origins in the days of the Fur Trade? Beaver, seal and otter were very sought after pelts. Beaver felt hats were all the rage in Europe. Perhaps as Europeans began to settle in the New World, they realized they could produce a "mouton" at far less cost than trading for beaver or seal.
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