The New International Encyclopædia/Nomad

NOM′AD (from Lat. nomas, from Gk. νομάς, roaming, from νέμειν, nemein, to pasture, distribute). A term primarily applied to those peoples whose resources were chiefly flocks and herds. All the industries and conveniences of nomadic life grow out of this one fact. Grass and water are the chief essentials, hence nomads dwell always in regions where pasture is the best and water is not far to seek. Their habitations must admit of being transported from place to place, and hence consist of tents; their furniture is largely of skins; they clothe themselves in hides and woolen cloth. The saddle and harness, sleds and wagons, roads and land commerce, all spring out of the taming of horses, asses, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and reindeer—the characteristic wealth of nomadic peoples.