leg-of-mutton

American  

[leg-uh-muht-n, -uhv-] / ˈlɛg əˈmʌt n, -əv- /

Or leg-o'-mutton

adjective

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

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

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leg-of-mutton British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of leg-of-mutton

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

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 • Feb. 10, 2020

Given that Violet once wore leg-of-mutton sleeves, she was in no position to condemn.

From Slate • Feb. 18, 2013

Mr. Lauren starts weaving a narrative — the floral prints, leg-of-mutton sleeves, velvets and gent trousers that blurrily evoke the late 19th century — and pretty soon you’re seeing contemporary possibilities.

From New York Times • Feb. 19, 2010

Saint Laurent goes way back: "It's 1890," he says of his patchwork evening dress with leg-of-mutton sleeves.

From Time Magazine Archive

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 "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman