pollard

American  

[pol-erd] / ˈpɒl ərd /

noun

1. a tree cut back nearly to the trunk, so as to produce a dense mass of branches.

2. an animal, as a stag, ox, or sheep, having no horns.

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verb (used with object)

1. to convert into a pollard.

pollard British  

/ ˈpɒləd /

noun

1. an animal, such as a sheep or deer, that has either shed its horns or antlers or has had them removed

2. a tree that has had its top cut off to encourage the formation of a crown of branches

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verb

1. (tr) to convert into a pollard; poll

Other Word Forms

• unpollarded adjective

Etymology

Origin of pollard

First recorded in 1515–25; poll ¹ + -ard

Example Sentences

Mr McBride, who records ancient trees in Wales, said the oak had enormous cultural significance as it was a pollard - it had not grown in the field naturally.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2018

This permits the tree to develop knobbly structures called pollard heads, which form natural defenses against wound decay.

From Washington Post • Mar. 17, 2015

This permits the tree to develop knobbly structures called pollard heads, which form natural defenses against wound decay.

From Washington Post • Mar. 17, 2015

An old pollard in Savernake Forest that could date back to Saxon times.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2014

“Thaay’ll lead ee drough th’ wood; it be main dark under th’ pollard oaks: Akkern Chace Be a unkid place, When th’ moon do show hur face.

From Greene Ferne Farm by Jefferies, Richard

Related Words

• prune
• shave
• shear