An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A domesticated ruminant mammal with a thick woolly coat and (typically only in the male) curving horns. It is kept in flocks for its wool or meat (OxfordDictionaries.com).

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.E. sceap; related to O.Frisian skep, O.Saxon scap, O.H.G. scaf, Ger. Schaf.

Etymology (PE): Gusfand, guspand, from Mid.Pers. gôspand “cattle in general,” especially “sheep, goats,” as distinguished from horses and cows, Av. gaospənta- “sanctified, consecrated cow,” from gao-, → cow,

• spənta- “sanctfied, holy,” → holiday.