yean

verb (used without object)

1. (of a sheep or goat) to bring forth young.

verb

1. (of a sheep or goat) to give birth to (offspring)

v.Old English eanian “to bring forth” (young), especially in reference to sheep or goats, from Proto-Germanic *agwnojanan (cf. Dutch oonen), perhaps from PIE *agwhnos “lamb” (cf. Greek amnos “lamb,” Latin agnus, Old Church Slavonic agne, Old Irish van, Welsh oen). Yeanling “young lamb, kid” is recorded from 1630s.