moult

Definition

The process of shedding or losing a covering of fur, feathers or skin etc.

Etymology

From Middle English mouten, from Old English *mutian (cf. bemutian), from Latin mūtō, mūtāre. Doublet of mute and mutate. Un-etymological ⟨l⟩ was introduced into the spelling by mistakenly assuming a French origin with -l- (compare fault, vault and solder with correctly restored etymological ⟨l⟩).

Example Sentences

• "Some birds change colour during their winter moult."