Sheep, n. sing. & pl.
n. sing. & pl. [A-S. scæp, scēp, scēap, O. Sax. scēp, O. Fries. skep, L. Ger. & D. schaap, O. H. Ger. scâf, N. H. Ger. schaf.] 1. (Zoöl.) A small ruminant quadruped, valued for its flesh and wool, the common sheep being Ovis aries, of which there are many varieties. ☞ The sheep is allied to the goat, having, like it, no tear-pits, but has certain characteristic differences, as in being of a harmless temper and very timid, in having the horns turned to the sides, with the points forward and not keeled in front, in the absence of odor in the male, and in its habit of running a tilt in fighting. The big-horn or mountain sheep of the West and California is O. montana. Rocky Mountain Sheep (Ovis montana).
- Hence, a weak, silly fellow;—by way of contempt. Ainsworth.
- Figuratively, the people of God, as being under the government and protection of Christ, the great Shepherd.
