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Goat

(Science: zoology) a hollow-horned ruminant of the genus capra, of several species and varieties, especially. The domestic goat (c. Hircus), which is raised for its milk, flesh, and skin.

The Cashmere and angora varieties of the goat have long, silky hair, used in the manufacture of textile fabrics. The wild or bezoar goat (capra aegagrus), of asia minor, noted for the bezoar stones found in its stomach, is supposed to be one of the ancestral species ofthe domestic goat. The rocky Montain goat (Haplocercus montanus) is more nearly related to the antelopes. See mazame.

(Science: zoology) goat antelope, one of several species of antelopes, which in some respects resemble a goat, having recurved horns, a stout body, large hoofs, and a short, flat tail, as the goral, thar, mazame, and chikara.

(Science: botany) goat fig, the genus Tragopyrum (now referred to Atraphaxis).

Origin: oe goot, got, gat, as. Gat; akin to D. Geit, OHG. Geiz, g. Geiss, Icel. Geit, Sw. Get, dan. Ged, goth. Gaits, L. Haedus a young goat, kid.