Pronunciation: [ɡɹˈe͡ɪwɛðə] (IPA) 
Graywether is a word used to describe an old ram or sheep with a fleece that has turned gray or white. Its spelling is a combination of "gray" and "wether," which is an old English term for a castrated male sheep. In IPA, "graywether" is spelled /ˈɡreɪˌwɛðər/, with the stress on the first syllable. This spelling indicates the pronunciation of the two separate words that make up the compound word.
Graywether is a noun that refers to a specific type of male castrated sheep, commonly found in certain regions. It is derived from old English and has historical significance in agricultural and pastoral contexts. This term is predominantly used in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries with a history of sheep farming.
A graywether is a castrated sheep that has reached a certain age, typically between four and six years old. This term specifically describes a male sheep that has been deprived of its testes, rendering it incapable of reproducing. The name "graywether" originates from the characteristic gray coloration of the animal's fleece and the fact that it is typically past its prime age for producing high-quality wool.
Due to their age and physiological changes resulting from castration, graywethers are often considered less valuable compared to younger, uncastrated males. However, they are highly appreciated for their matured meat, characterized by tenderness and a distinct flavor. Graywethers are commonly used for mutton production, cunningly balancing their reduced wool quality with their increased meat quality.
In summary, a graywether is an older castrated male sheep, easily recognizable by its gray wool and suitability for high-quality mutton production. This term has both historical and agricultural significance, particularly in the sheep farming industry within English-speaking countries.
The word "graywether" is derived from the combination of two words: "gray" and "wether".
The term "gray" comes from the Old English word "grǣg", which referred to the color gray or ashen. It ultimately traces back to the Proto-Germanic root "grēwaz".
"Wether" is an Old English word that was used to describe a castrated male sheep or ram. Its origins can be traced to the Proto-Germanic word "wethraz".
When these two words are combined, "graywether" refers to a castrated male sheep with a gray or ashen coat. The term is commonly used in the context of sheep husbandry and the wool industry.
