Pronunciation: [fˈɜːɹɪə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "furrier" can appear deceiving due to the pronunciation of the word. It is pronounced as /ˈfʌr.i.ər/, with four syllables, yet the spelling only contains two "r"s. The first "r" appears after the letter "u", and the second "r" appears at the end of the word. The root word, "fur", refers to the pelt of an animal, often used for making clothing. A furrier, therefore, is someone who makes, sells or deals in furs.
A furrier is an individual or business entity involved in the trade of furs, which are the natural pelts or skins of animals with the hair or fur still intact. The term furrier typically refers to both the profession and the establishment where furs are created, sold, or handled. A furrier may engage in various tasks related to fur, including the acquisition, processing, designing, crafting, and selling of fur garments, accessories, or decorative items.
In terms of acquiring furs, a furrier may obtain pelts through various means such as hunting, trapping, farming, obtaining from authorized suppliers, or acquiring vintage or recycled furs. Once acquired, furriers skillfully process the raw fur, carefully removing the hair or fur from the animal skins, cleaning and treating them to ensure quality and durability.
Furriers often possess specialized skills for crafting fur garments, such as tailoring, cutting, sewing, and assembling techniques. They may specialize in creating a wide range of fur products, including coats, jackets, hats, accessories like scarves or gloves, and interior decor items. Additionally, furriers can provide services like repairing, cleaning, or restyling fur garments to maintain their appearance and extend their lifespan.
Moreover, furriers are knowledgeable about the different types of fur available, such as mink, fox, chinchilla, sable, or rabbit, and can provide expertise on the quality, origin, and ethics of fur sourcing. However, it is important to note that the fur industry has faced criticism and activism due to concerns surrounding animal welfare and ethical considerations related to fur production.
Overall, furriers play a crucial role in the fur trade, combining craftsmanship, expertise, and knowledge to create, market, and maintain fur products for various purposes and customers.
A dealer in furs.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "furrier" originated from the Middle English term "furrour", which was adapted from the Old French word "forrier". The Old French "forrier" was derived from the verb "forrer", meaning "to line" or "to sheathe". This verb, in turn, can be traced back to the Latin word "forrare", which carried a similar meaning of "to line" or "to sheathe". Over time, the term "furrier" came to refer specifically to someone who works with fur, such as a person who makes or repairs fur garments.
