Gemses

/ˈɡɛmziːz/ noun

Definition

Plural of gemse; multiple chamois antelopes or references to this alpine animal.

Etymology

Regular English plural of gemse, adding -s to the Germanic-derived word. 'Gemses' appears in older English texts as the plural form for these mountain animals.

Kelly Says

Medieval Swiss and Austrian hunters used trained dogs to herd gemses off cliff edges, a hunting method so efficient (and cruel) that it nearly drove the species extinct before conservation laws were enacted in the 1800s.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.