A matted or tangled lock of wool or hair, especially on sheep, often soiled or dirtied.
From 'dag' (a hanging end of cloth or matted wool) plus 'lock' (a portion of hair or wool). The term originated in English pastoral terminology, combining Middle English 'dagge' with Old English 'loc', reflecting agricultural practices dating back centuries.
Farmers actually developed specific tools and techniques to remove daglocks from sheep because they can trap parasites and cause serious health problems—it's one of those small details of animal husbandry that shaped entire cultures of pastoral peoples.
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