BELLWETHER


Meaning of BELLWETHER in English

n.

Pronunciation: ' bel- ' we- th ə r, - ˌ we-

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, leading sheep of a flock, leader, from belle bell + wether; from the practice of belling the leader of a flock

Date: 13th century

: one that takes the lead or initiative : LEADER also : an indicator of trends

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.