In leather working, a piece of leather from the croup or hindquarters of an animal, used for making goods.
From French 'croupon,' derived from 'croupe' (croup/rump). The term entered English in the leather trade during the 18th-19th centuries to describe a specific leather grade.
Leather dealers had names for different body parts of hides—the 'croupon' was the strongest leather from the horse's rear, which is why it was always used for saddles and tough gear!
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