Chamois \Cham"ois\, n. [F. chamois, prob. fr. OG. gamz, G. gemse.]

1. (Zo["o]l.) A small species of antelope (Rupicapra tragus), living on the loftiest mountain ridges of Europe, as the Alps, Pyrenees, etc. It possesses remarkable agility, and is a favorite object of chase.

2. A soft leather made from the skin of the chamois, or from sheepskin, etc.; -- called also chamois leather, and chammy or shammy leather. See Shammy.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)