Middle English grene horne, the horn of a newly slaughtered animal
From the reference to an animal with green (that is, young) horns
From 17th-century jewellery manufacturing, which used decorated horn impressed at a specific temperature. If heated too high (a common mistake by apprentices), the horn turned green.
From a misappropriation of the German expression "grĂ¼n hinter den Ohren" (to be green behind the ears).
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