Description
Leather was the skin or hide of an animal prepared by special processes to remove the hair and to keep it from decaying or becoming brittle. The person who prepares leather is called a leather worker or tanner.
Usage
Leather had many uses, which included making clothing parts, such as belts and sandals. It was also used to make containers for liquids, such as water and wine. Sometimes it was used for making straps for harnessing animals and other binding activities.
Translation
Some languages will have a special word for “leather,” but many will use the same word as for the “skin” of an animal.
The Hebrew word tachash refers to an aquatic animal, the dugong (see All Creatures Great and Small, pages 42–43). It is only mentioned in Scripture with reference to its skin, so it is usually accompanied by the Hebrew word ‘or. In EZK 16:10 the word ‘or is omitted, but tachash there means the fine tanned leather made from the skin of that animal.