shear

²shear

noun

Definition of SHEAR

1

a (1) : a cutting implement similar or identical to a pair of scissors but typically larger —usually used in plural (2) : one blade of a pair of shears b : any of various cutting tools or machines operating by the action of opposed cutting edges of metal —usually used in plural c (1) : something resembling a shear or a pair of shears (2) : a hoisting apparatus consisting of two or sometimes more upright spars fastened together at their upper ends and having tackle for masting or dismasting ships or lifting heavy loads (as guns) —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction

2

chiefly British : the action or process or an instance of shearing —used in combination to indicate the approximate age of sheep in terms of shearings undergone

3

a : internal force tangential to the section on which it acts —called also shearing force b : an action or stress resulting from applied forces that causes or tends to cause two contiguous parts of a body to slide relatively to each other in a direction parallel to their plane of contact

First Known Use of SHEAR

before 12th century

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut