An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A female sheep, especially when fully mature.

Etymology (EN): M.E.; O.E. eowu, ewe “female sheep;” cognate with O.H.G. ou, ouwi, Du. ooi, L. ovis, Gk. ois, ois, Skt. avi; PIE *owi- “sheep.”

Etymology (PE): Miš, from Mid.Pers. mêš “sheep, ewe;” Av. maeša- “sheep, ewe;” cf. Skt. mesa-, mesi “sheep, ewe.”