Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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}.