hircic acid en · NOUN
Etymology
Named by Michel Eugène Chevreul, a French chemist. First use in 1823
Meanings
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(historical, uncountable) 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.
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
1824, Walter Scott, The Edinburgh Annual Register - 1823: