dapple
Dapple (noun) means a mottled marking, usually in clusters.
Etymology
Uncertain. The adjective is first attested circa 1550 though the first element is already attested in dapple-grey as early as 1386, in Middle English, and later as dappled circa 1400; the OED suggests either: * a back-formation from dapple-grey, itself a variant of apple-grey, compare possible cognates all said of horses: Old Norse apalgrár (whence Norwegian abildgrå and Swedish apel-grå), German apfelgrau. Compare also French pommelé (“dappled”), from pomme (“an apple”); or, * a relation with Icelandic depill (“a dot, spot”). The noun and verb are both later attested likely as back-formations.
Rhymes for dapple
See all rhymes for dapple →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of dapple?
"dapple" (noun) means a mottled marking, usually in clusters.
What are the different meanings of dapple?
"dapple" has 2 main meanings: 1. A mottled marking, usually in clusters; 2. An animal with a mottled or spotted skin or coat.