English

Noun

hircic acid ‎(uncountable)

1. (historical) A type of oily acid made from mutton suet, having an odor similar to that of a goat, used in the early days of the production of soap, and in soup-making.

   1824, Walter Scott, The Edinburgh Annual Register - 1823:

   Hircic acid is the odorous principle of soap, made of mutton suet, and it exists in so very small quantity....Its smell resembles that of a goat

Synonyms

• hircin