hogget
Noun: 1. A young sheep: Specifically, a sheep that is older than a lamb but not yet fully mature, typically between one and two years old. 2. The meat from such a sheep: The flesh of a hogget, considered to have more flavor than lamb but to be more tender than mutton.
The term "hogget" is primarily used in farming, agriculture, and butchery contexts to specify the age and quality of a sheep or its meat. It is a precise term, falling between "lamb" and "mutton."
Examples: - The farmer separated the hoggets from the older ewes. - For dinner, we're having roast hogget; it's more flavorful than lamb. - This breed is often sold as hogget, as it develops excellent flavor at that age.
- As a collective noun: Can refer to a group of sheep of this specific age.
- The entire hogget was moved to the new pasture.
- Hogg / Hog: In some regional dialects, especially in Scotland and Northern England, "hogg" or "hog" can be a variant for a young sheep, often one in its first year before its first shearing.
- Shearling: A sheep that has been shorn once, which often corresponds to the hogget age.
- Yearling: A general term for any animal in its second year of life, which can apply to sheep.
- Teg: Another regional term, particularly in the UK, for a sheep in its second year or one that is ready for shearing.
The word "hogget" is specific to sheep and their meat. It does not have other common, unrelated meanings. It should not be confused with "hog," which typically refers to a pig.
- a sheep up to the age of one year; one yet to be sheared