from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Reindeer \Rein"deer`\ (r[=a]n"d[=e]r), n. [Icel. hreinn reindeer
+ E. deer. Icel. hreinn is of Lapp or Finnish origin; cf.
Lappish reino pasturage.] [Formerly written also {raindeer},
and {ranedeer}.] (Zool.)
Any ruminant of the genus {Rangifer}, of the Deer family,
found in the colder parts of both the Eastern and Western
hemispheres, and having long irregularly branched antlers,
with the brow tines palmate.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The common European species ({Rangifer tarandus}) is
domesticated in Lapland. The woodland reindeer or
caribou ({Rangifer caribou}) is found in Canada and
Maine (see {Caribou}.) The Barren Ground reindeer or
caribou ({Rangifer Groenlandicus}), of smaller size, is
found on the shores of the Arctic Ocean, in both
hemispheries.
[1913 Webster]
{Reindeer moss} (Bot.), a gray branching lichen ({Cladonia
rangiferina}) which forms extensive patches on the ground
in arctic and even in north temperature regions. It is the
principal food of the Lapland reindeer in winter.
{Reindeer period} (Geol.), a name sometimes given to a part
of the Paleolithic era when the reindeer was common over
Central Europe.
[1913 Webster]