Cham"ois, n. [F. chamois, prob. fr. OG. gamz, G. gemse.]
1. Zool.
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.
© Webster 1913.