Pronunciation: [hˈɜːsiːn] (IPA) 
The word "hircine" is spelled with a silent "h" at the beginning, followed by the letters "i", "r", "c", "i", "n", and "e". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /ˈhɜrsin/. The pronunciation of "hircine" is characterized by the long "e" sound at the end, which is represented by the IPA symbol /iː/. This word means "goat-like" or "resembling a goat", and is often used in describing an animal or its behavior.
Hircine is an adjective that refers to anything related to goats or resembling a goat. It can also describe a strong and unpleasant odor that is reminiscent of the smell of a goat. The term is derived from the Latin word "hircinus," which means "of or pertaining to a goat."
In a zoological context, hircine can describe features, characteristics, or behaviors that are similar to those of goats. For example, a hircine creature may possess goat-like horns, hooves, or a beard. It could also exhibit agile climbing abilities or prefer the same diet as goats, such as primarily grazing on grass or other vegetation.
Furthermore, hircine can be used metaphorically to refer to individuals who behave in a goat-like manner. This may imply qualities such as stubbornness, unpredictability, or a tendency to butt heads or jump impulsively from one idea or opinion to another.
In terms of odor, hircine describes a strong, musky smell that resembles the scent emitted by a goat. This aroma can be associated with a variety of factors, such as the presence of animals or substances that remind people of goats, but it is generally considered unpleasant by many due to its pungent nature.
Overall, hircine is a term used to describe things that relate to or resemble goats, either in physical attributes or in odor.
A foetid oily matter found in goat's or sheep's fat.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "hircine" is derived from the Latin term "hircīnus", which is a combination of "hircus" meaning "goat" and the suffix "-īnus" denoting resemblance or connection. Therefore, "hircīnus" originally referred to something or someone related to, resembling, or characteristic of a goat. Over time, this Latin term was adapted into the English language as "hircine" to describe goat-like attributes or qualities.
