Hypertext Webster Gateway: "bellwether"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Bellwether \Bell"weth`er\, n.
1. A wether, or sheep, which leads the flock, with a bell on
his neck.
2. Hence: A leader. [Contemptuous] --Swift.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
bellwether
n 1: someone who assumes leadership of a movement or activity
2: sheep that leads the herd often wearing a bell
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