hircic acid

English

Etymology

Named by Michel Eugène Chevreul, a French chemist. First use in 1823

Noun

hircic acid (uncountable)

1. (historical) A type of oily acid (a mixture rich in capric- and caproic acids) made from mutton suet, having an odor similar to that of a goat, used in the early days of the production of soap, and in soup-making.
   • 1824, Walter Scott, The Edinburgh Annual Register - 1823‎^[1]:

     Hircic acid is the odorous principle of soap, made of mutton suet, and it exists in so very small quantity....Its smell resembles that of a goat

Synonyms

• hircin