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merino

- 5 dictionary results

me⋅ri⋅no

[muh-ree-noh] noun, plural -nos, adjective
–noun
1. (often initial capital letter) one of a breed of sheep, raised originally in Spain, valued for their fine wool.
2. wool from such sheep.
3. a yarn or fabric made from this wool.
–adjective
4. made of merino wool, yarn, or cloth.

Origin:
1775–85; < Sp < Ar (banū) marīn a Berber tribe known for raising this breed
me·ri·no   (mə-rē'nō)   
n.   pl. me·ri·nos
    1. Any of a breed of sheep, originally from Spain, having long fine wool.
    2. The wool of this sheep.
    3. A fine wool and cotton yarn used especially for knitting underwear and hosiery.
    4. A knitted fabric made from this yarn.
  1. A soft lightweight fabric made originally of merino wool but now of any fine wool.
    1. A fine wool and cotton yarn used especially for knitting underwear and hosiery.
    2. A knitted fabric made from this yarn.

[Spanish, perhaps from Berber Benī Merīn, name of the tribe that developed the breed, or from Spanish merino, local magistrate (from Latin māiōrīnus, larger, from māior; see major).]
me·ri'no adj.

Merino

Me*ri"no\, a. [Sp. merino moving from pasture to pasture, fr. merino a royal judge and superintendent or inspector of sheep walks, LL. merinus, fr. majorinus, i. e., major vill?, fr. L. major greater. See Major. Merino sheep are driven at certain seasons from one part of Spain to another, in large flocks, for pasturage.]

1. Of or pertaining to a variety of sheep with very fine wool, originally bred in Spain.

2. Made of the wool of the merino sheep.

Merino

Me*ri"no\, n.; pl. Merinos. [Sp.]

1. (Zo["o]l.) A breed of sheep originally from Spain, noted for the fineness of its wool.

2. A fine fabric of merino wool.

merino 
"fine-wool breed of sheep," 1781, from Sp., possibly from Ar. Merini, a Berber family or tribe of sheep farmers in northwest Africa whose animals were imported into Spain 14c.-15c. to improve local breeds. Or from L. majorinus, from major "greater," either in ref. to size of the animals or from Sp. derivative merino (n.) "overseer of cattle pastures," also a title of judicial officers.
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