fleece

As a noun, the term evokes a sense of warmth, softness, and natural insulation. It transitions from describing the raw biological coat of an animal to the synthetic textiles used in modern outdoor gear, maintaining a consistent association with heat retention and tactile comfort. As a verb, the word shifts to a predatory connotation. It draws a parallel between shearing a sheep—removing its protective layer—and stripping a person of their money. This usage is almost always negative, implying a breach of trust or an unfair exploitation of a victim's vulnerability.