mooncalf

American  

[moon-kaf, -kahf] / ˈmunˌkæf, -ˌkɑf /

noun

plural

mooncalves

1. a congenitally grossly deformed and mentally defective person.

2. a foolish person.

3. a person who spends time idly daydreaming.

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mooncalf British  

/ ˈmuːnˌkɑːf /

noun

1. a born fool; dolt

2. a person who idles time away

3. obsolete a freak or monster

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Etymology

Origin of mooncalf

First recorded in 1555–65; moon + calf ¹

Example Sentences

The long-term effects of that mooncalf renaissance are impossible to gauge from here.

From Salon

“You’re a mooncalf,” she said.

From Literature

He stared off into space with a dumb mooncalf look on his face that made you want to slap him.

From Literature

Then there are those beasts that, due to cleverness or innate shyness, avoid contact with Muggles at all costs—for instance, the unicorn, the Mooncalf and the centaur.

From Literature

Then there are the beasts - not just Niffler, but Bowtruckle, Erumpent, Murtlaf and Mooncalf, to name a few.

From Washington Times