leg-of-mutton

American  

[leg-uh-muht-n, -uhv-] / ˈlɛg əˈmʌt n, -əv- /

Or leg-o'-mutton

adjective

1. having the triangular shape of a leg of mutton.

   leg-of-mutton sail; a dress with leg-of-mutton sleeves.

---

leg-of-mutton British  

noun

1. (modifier) (of a sail, sleeve, etc) tapering sharply or having a triangular profile

---

Etymology

Origin of leg-of-mutton

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

A cropped sequined black moto jacket/bolero with leg-of-mutton sleeves came matched with an olive drab corset atop a camo ruffled skirt.

From New York Times • Feb. 10, 2020

Given that Violet once wore leg-of-mutton sleeves, she was in no position to condemn.

From Slate • Feb. 18, 2013

Mr. Lauren starts weaving a narrative — the floral prints, leg-of-mutton sleeves, velvets and gent trousers that blurrily evoke the late 19th century — and pretty soon you’re seeing contemporary possibilities.

From New York Times • Feb. 19, 2010

Saint Laurent goes way back: "It's 1890," he says of his patchwork evening dress with leg-of-mutton sleeves.

From Time Magazine Archive

Nemo sat down on the couch beside Teah and Michael and watched as Teah’s mother helped Sasha into a royal-blue ball gown with a scooped neck and leg-of-mutton sleeves.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater