Fleece
/fliːs/noun
The woolly covering of a sheep or similar animal.
Did you know?In ancient rituals, the fleece was believed to hold protective powers, often used in sacrifices to ensure prosperity and abundance.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*plēḱ-
“to spin, to weave”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φλέψ (phléps)
“fleece (of wool)”
Old English
Old English
flēos
“the wool covering of sheep”
Middle English
Middle English
fleece
“Wool or covering of animal skins”
Modern English
English
fleece
“The woolly coat of sheep, often used metaphorically for something that covers or conceals.”