neat's-foot oil

American  

[neets-foot] / ˈnitsˌfʊt /

noun

1. a pale-yellow fixed oil made by boiling the feet and shinbones of cattle, used chiefly as a dressing for leather.

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neat's-foot oil British  

noun

1. a yellow fixed oil obtained by boiling the feet and shinbones of cattle and used esp to dress leather

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Etymology

Origin of neat's-foot oil

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

It was tangy and slick, like a dirty Martini, with a whiff of neat’s-foot oil.

From The New Yorker • Apr. 4, 2016

They want to stop and smell the neat's-foot oil.

From Time Magazine Archive

His lined, leathery face is as supple as if treated daily with neat's-foot oil.

From Time Magazine Archive

A mixture of one-half neat's-foot oil and one-half mutton tallow, well rubbed in, keeps leather in good condition.

From Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates of Cavalry of the Army of the United States 1917 to be also used by Engineer Companies (Mounted) for Cavalry Instruction and Training by Department, U. S. War

Before using, perfectly new equipment should in all cases be given a light application of neat's-foot oil; soap is unnecessary because the leather is clean.

From Manual of Military Training Second, Revised Edition by Moss, James A. (James Alfred)