bellwether

bell·weth·er  (blwthr)

n.

One that serves as a leader or as a leading indicator of future trends: "The degree to which the paper is censored is a political bellwether" (Justine De Lacy).

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[Middle English bellewether, wether with a bell hung from its neck, leader of the flock : belle, bell; see bell¹ + wether, wether; see wether.]

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bellwether [ˈbɛlˌwɛðə]

n

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Breeds) a sheep that leads the herd, often bearing a bell

2. a leader, esp one followed blindly

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	bellwether - someone who assumes leadership of a movement or activity leader - a person who rules or guides or inspires others
	2.	bellwether - sheep that leads the herd often wearing a bell wether - male sheep especially a castrated one

Translations

bellwether [ˈbɛlwɛðə^r] n (mainly US) (= indication) → indicateur m, baromètre m