antler

Meaning

Noun

• A branching and bony structure on the head of deer, moose and elk, normally in pairs. They are grown and shed each year. (Compare with horn, which is generally not shed.)

Origin

• From Middle English auntelere, hauntelere, from Old French antoillier ("antler, horn"), from ante- + oillier (oil + --ier ()), possibly from an unattested Latin *anteocularis ("before the eye").