argall: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Obsolete/Very RareArchaic/Literary
Quick answer
What does “argall” mean?
An obsolete word for a large, grey, wild mountain sheep (Ovis ammon), or its curved horn.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An obsolete word for a large, grey, wild mountain sheep (Ovis ammon), or its curved horn.
A term for the great argali sheep, historically used for its horns which were sometimes fashioned into drinking cups or ornamental objects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No regional difference in usage. The word is equally archaic in both variants of English.
Connotations
Evokes a 19th-century or earlier context of exploration, naturalism, or antique collecting.
Frequency
Extremely rare and not in active use. Likely found only in historical texts or very specialized contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “argall” in a Sentence
[the/An] + argall + [of + (region)][possessive] + argall + hornVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Only in historical or zoological papers discussing 18th/19th-century nomenclature.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Superseded by the modern scientific term 'argali' (Ovis ammon).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “argall”
- Using it as a verb or adjective.
- Confusing it with the personal name 'Argall'.
- Assuming it is in current use.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an obsolete term. The modern and correct term for the animal is 'argali'.
No, it is exclusively a noun referring to the animal or its horn.
In 19th-century travel writing, natural history texts, or descriptions of antique collections.
For advanced vocabulary building, reading historical literature, or understanding the history of zoological terminology.
An obsolete word for a large, grey, wild mountain sheep (Ovis ammon), or its curved horn.
Argall is usually archaic/literary in register.
Argall: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːɡ(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑrɡ(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ARGAll' as 'A Rare Grey Animal Living on mountains' - a large, wild sheep.
Conceptual Metaphor
The argall, with its grand horns, can serve as a metaphor for rugged, untamed wilderness or obsolete grandeur.
Practice
Quiz
What is an 'argall'?