shoat

Definition

A young, newly-weaned pig.

Etymology

From Middle English schote, of uncertain origin. Perhaps a special use of Middle English schote (“projectile, young shoot”), or perhaps of Middle Low German origin, cognate with West Flemish schote (“young piglet”).

Example Sentences

• "Why, was not one animal of every kind – a calf, and a lamb, and a filly, and a shote – upon the place marked with little Moses's own brand?"
• "There would have been nature studies – a tiger pursuing a bird of paradise, a choking snake sheathing whole the flayed trunk of a shoat."