Bellwether opus 687
| 5 November 2025 1550 Hours | | Linguistics, Farming, History |
Managing a small farm, sometimes with sheep,
I have always been amused by the term 'bellwether'.
I know one would initially think
Of a bell ringing to warn of the weather.
Today, we use it for someone or something
That leads the way or points out a trend.
Historically, though, the usage first appeared in English
In the 15th century, remaining to this day.
In Middle English, 'Belle' meant a ringing bell
And 'wether' was originally a male sheep,
Later to become a castrated male sheep.
This animal was designated to be the leader of the flock.
By using a castrated individual, rather than an 'active' male
May have designated, more accurately, the flock's position.
(This is my own speculation as a farmer and biologist.)
The sound of the bell was, of course,
To locate the flock's whereabouts.
It is interesting how word use shifts through the ages.