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

See Examples For:

neat's-foot oil

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

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)

If neat’s-foot oil is not at hand, cod liver oil or castor oil may be used.

From The Horsewoman A Practical Guide to Side-Saddle Riding, 2nd. Ed. by Hayes, M. Horace (Matthew Horace)