Limousin
/ˈlɪm.ə.sɪn/noun
A region of central France, a breed of red-gold beef cattle originating there, or a person or thing associated with the region.
Did you know?The word entered English through French regional identity: a limousine originally meant a covered vehicle whose hood resembled the traditional cloak worn by shepherds of Limousin.
Etymological Timeline
Antiquity
Gaulish/Latin
Lemovices
“Name of the Celtic tribe inhabiting the region around present-day Limoges; the precise internal meaning is uncertain.”
4th Century
Latin
Lemovicus
“A regional adjective or personal form connected with the Lemovices.”
Medieval period
Old French
Lemozi / Limosin
“Forms referring to Limoges and the surrounding region.”
13th–14th Century
Middle French
Limousin
“The name of the French province and its inhabitants or regional products.”
18th Century
French
limousine
“A cloak or hooded covering associated with shepherds of Limousin.”
19th Century
English
limousin
“A term for the Limousin region and its cattle; English limousine developed from the related French regional word.”