antelope [LME] Before 17th-century zoologists gave the name to a fast-running horned animal, an antelope was a fierce mythical creature with long serrated horns that was believed to live on the banks of the River Euphrates and was often depicted in heraldic designs. It was said to be able to use its saw-like horns to cut down trees. The modern sense is early 17th century. Although the word came into English via Old French and medieval Latin from Greek antholops, the origin and meaning of the Greek word is a mystery.