pelt
UK: pɛlt | US: pɛlt
n. the skin of an animal with the fur or hair still on it
vt. to attack by repeatedly throwing objects at someone or something
vi. (of rain, hail, etc.) to fall heavily and continuously
The word "pelt" traces back to Middle English pelt (animal skin), derived from Old French pelette (small skin), a diminutive of Latin pellis (skin or hide). The verb sense of "to strike repeatedly" (e.g., with stones) emerged in the 15th century, possibly influenced by the idea of throwing animal pelts or the forceful motion resembling skinning. The Germanic root pel- (to cover or skin) is also seen in related words like "peel."
The trapper sold a fox pelt at the market.
Protesters pelted the politician with eggs.
Hailstones pelted the roof during the storm.
She wore a coat lined with rabbit pelt.
Children giggled as they pelted each other with snowballs.