Venison is the culinary name for meat from the family Cervidae. Deer meat, whether hunted or farmed, is termed venison. Etymology The etymology of the word derives from the Latin Vēnor (-to hunt or pursue). This term entered English via Norman in the 11th century following the Norman invasion of England, and the establishing of Royal Forests Definition Venison can describe meat of any animal killed by hunting. It was originally applied to any animal from the families Cervidae (deer), Lep… (More on Venison)