leg-of-mutton

or leg-o'-mut·ton

[ leg-uh-muht-n, -uhv- ]

adjective

1. having the triangular shape of a leg of mutton:

   leg-of-mutton sail; a dress with leg-of-mutton sleeves.

leg-of-mutton

noun

1. modifier (of a sail, sleeve, etc) tapering sharply or having a triangular profile

Word History and Origins

Origin of leg-of-mutton¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Both were designed for the Proust Ball of 1971 — one, worn by Jane Birkin, was crafted of ivory crêpe with leg-of-mutton sleeves and guipure lace while the other, modeled by the ball’s hostess Marie-Hélène de Rothschild, was made of ivory satin with black trim.

From New York Times

Another of the episode’s standout looks came from the consistently strong Andrea Pitter, who used the bubble jackets of her childhood as the jumping-off point for a denim tube-top and dress combination that hugged the curves at the hips, created dramatic new ones on each arm thanks to double-bubble leg-of-mutton sleeves, ballooned at the floor, and featured a built-in bookbag/utility pocket between the shoulder blades.

From Los Angeles Times

Another of the episode’s standout looks came from the consistently strong Andrea Pitter, who used the bubble jackets of her childhood as the jumping-off point for a denim tube-top and dress combination that hugged the curves at the hips, created dramatic new ones on each arm thanks to double-bubble leg-of-mutton sleeves, ballooned at the floor, and featured a built-in bookbag/utility pocket between the shoulder blades.

From Los Angeles Times

A cropped sequined black moto jacket/bolero with leg-of-mutton sleeves came matched with an olive drab corset atop a camo ruffled skirt.

From New York Times

Again the villagers flung open the door and again found the Devil had been at work, for there was Wat finishing off William Reeve’s leg-of-mutton dinner.

From Literature