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sheep-dip

[sheep-dip]
noun
  1. a lotion or wash applied to the fleece or skin of sheep to kill vermin, usually applied by immersing the animals in vats.
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Origin of sheep-dip

First recorded in 1860–65
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for sheep-dip

Historical Examples of sheep-dip

  • They dab a splotch of sheep-dip on the place and go right ahead.

    Following the Equator, Complete

    Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)

  • A large tub was filled with hot water, and a bottle of sheep-dip was emptied into it.

  • Say, Glenn, do you reckon Miss Carley could stand a sheep-dip?

  • Not improbably this sheep-dip was what Flo meant as the worst to come.

  • By itself, railroad coffee is too passive; but sheep-dip makes it wake up and get down to business.

    Following the Equator, Complete

    Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)

British Dictionary definitions for sheep-dip

sheep-dip

noun
  1. any of several liquid disinfectants and insecticides in which sheep are immersed to kill vermin and germs in their fleece
  2. a deep trough containing such a liquid
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012