Pelts

/pɛlts/ noun/verb

Definition

Animal skins with fur attached (noun); or to strike repeatedly or throw things at someone (verb).

Etymology

Noun from Old French 'pel' (skin), from Latin 'pellis'; verb likely from imitative origins or Old English sources. The two meanings developed separately.

Kelly Says

Pelt has split into two completely different meanings—one from Latin about fur, one possibly from onomatopoeia—that just happen to be spelled the same way, confusing even native speakers!

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