Definition

Noun: 1. A hardy breed of sheep from Central Asia: Specifically refers to the karakul sheep, known for its coarse hair. The lambs of this breed are valued for their distinctive fur. 2. The fur of a very young karakul lamb: This fur is soft, tightly curled, and often has a black or gray color. It is a type of wool pelt used in luxury clothing and accessories.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Breed of sheep):
  • The broadtail is well-adapted to the harsh climates of Central Asia.
  • Shepherds have raised broadtail for centuries for both meat and their valuable pelts.
• Noun (Type of fur):
  • Her elegant coat was made from luxurious broadtail.
  • The designer used broadtail to trim the collar and cuffs of the evening gown.

Advanced Usage

• In fashion and textiles: The term is used almost exclusively within the contexts of animal husbandry, fur trade, and high fashion to describe the specific lamb pelt. It denotes a particular quality and origin of fur.

Variants and Related Words

• Karakul (noun): This is the direct name for the breed of sheep () and is often used synonymously with "broadtail" for the fur, especially from older animals. typically specifies the pelt from a very young lamb.
• Astrakhan (noun): A closely related term for the curly fur from karakul lambs; sometimes used interchangeably with , though can also refer to a wool fabric that mimics this fur's curl pattern.
• Persian lamb (noun): Another term used in the fur trade for karakul lamb pelts.

Synonyms

• For the fur: Karakul lamb fur, Astrakhan fur, Persian lamb fur.

Notes on Meaning

The two meanings are intrinsically linked. The first meaning (the sheep) is the source of the second meaning (the fur). In modern usage, especially outside of agricultural contexts, the word most commonly refers to the luxurious fur product itself.

Noun

1. hardy coarse-haired sheep of central Asia; lambs are valued for their soft curly black fur
2. the fur of a very young karakul lamb