Cham″ois (shăm″my̆ or shȧ‐moi″; 277), n. [F. chamois, prob. fr. OG. gamz, G. gemse.]
1. (Zoöl.) A small species of antelope (Rupicapra tragus), living on the loftiest mountain ridges of Europe, as the Alps, Pyrenees, etc. It possesses remarkable agility, and is a favorite object of chase.
2. A soft leather made from the skin of the chamois, or from sheepskin, etc.; — called also chamois leather, and chammy or shammy leather. See Shammy.