leg-of-mutton

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a shape resembling a leg of mutton: This term describes an object, typically a part of clothing or a sail, that is shaped like the leg of a sheep, tapering to a narrow end and widening at the top or base.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The dress had leg-of-mutton sleeves that were very fashionable in the 1890s. (The sleeves are wide at the shoulder and narrow at the wrist, like a sheep's leg.)
  • The sailor adjusted the leg-of-mutton sail to catch the wind. (A triangular sail with a shape reminiscent of a mutton leg.)

Advanced Usage

• "Leg-of-mutton sleeve": a sleeve style that is full at the top and fitted at the forearm, common in Victorian-era fashion.

  • Her wedding gown featured leg-of-mutton sleeves, adding a dramatic silhouette. (The sleeves created a puffed appearance near the shoulder.)

• "Leg-of-mutton sail": a triangular sail used on small boats, attached to a mast and boom.

  • The leg-of-mutton sail allowed the dinghy to sail efficiently upwind. (The sail's shape is practical for small vessels.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mutton (n): the flesh of a mature sheep used as food.
  • The stew was made with tender mutton. (The meat came from an adult sheep.)
• Leg-of-mutton is a compound adjective; no separate verb or noun forms are commonly used.

Synonyms

• Tapered: gradually narrowing toward one end.
• Triangular: shaped like a triangle (for sails).

Related Idioms

• "As dead as mutton": an old-fashioned idiom meaning completely dead or lifeless.
  • By morning, the campfire was as dead as mutton. (The fire was entirely extinguished and cold.)

Phrasal Verbs

• No phrasal verbs are associated with "leg-of-mutton" as it is a compound adjective.