from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Chamois \Cham"ois\ (sh[a^]m"m[y^] or sh[.a]*moi"; 277), n. [F.
chamois, prob. fr. OG. gamz, G. gemse.]
1. (Zool.) A small species of antelope ({Rupicapra tragus}),
living on the loftiest mountain ridges of Europe, as the
Alps, Pyrenees, etc. It possesses remarkable agility, and
is a favorite object of chase.
[1913 Webster]
2. A soft leather made from the skin of the chamois, or from
sheepskin, etc.; -- called also {chamois leather}, and
{chammy} or {shammy leather}. See {Shammy}.
[1913 Webster]