Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
LEATHER
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English lether, from Old English lether-; akin to Old High German leder leather, Old Irish lethar
Date: 13th century
animal skin dressed for use, the flap of the ear of a dog, something wholly or partly made of leather, leather adjective leatherlike adjective
II. transitive verb (leathered; leathering)
Date: 13th century
to cover with leather, to beat with a strap ; thrash