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

The pollard heads are now the size of softballs, or larger.

From Washington Post • Mar. 17, 2015

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

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2014

The nest is placed in soft rotten wood of pollard willows and other trees, in hollow trees and under the thatch of buildings.

From British Birds in their Haunts by Johns, Rev. C. A.

Related Words

• prune
• shave
• shear