còbhal

Còbhal is a term originating from the Scottish Gaelic language. It is most commonly used to refer to a calf, particularly a young bovine animal. The word can be applied to both male and female calves before they reach a certain age, after which they would be referred to by different terms depending on their sex and maturity. In some contexts, it can also be used more broadly to describe a young animal of other species, though its primary association is with cattle.

The use of còbhal is prevalent in areas where Scottish Gaelic has historically been spoken, such as the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Understanding this term is important for those studying or interested in the cultural and linguistic heritage of these regions, as well as in agricultural practices historically tied to Gaelic-speaking communities. The word reflects a close connection to livestock and the natural world that has long been a characteristic of Highland life. While English is now the dominant language in many of these areas, Gaelic terms like còbhal persist in local dialect and in written records.