Charbon

/ʃɑːrˈbɒn/ noun

Definition

An archaic or regional term for anthrax in animals, or a charred or burned area, particularly in heraldry.

Etymology

From Old French charbon, derived from Latin carbo (coal), relating to the dark, burned appearance of anthrax lesions or charred materials.

Kelly Says

The word 'charbon' bridges medieval veterinary observation with modern disease—when farmers saw animals with dark, coal-like sores, they named the disease after its most striking feature.

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