Beshear

/bɪˈʃɪr/ verb

Definition

To cut with shears; to shear or clip.

Etymology

From 'be-' + 'shear.' The word 'shear' (to cut hair or wool) already worked as a verb, so 'beshear' offered an alternative or intensified form.

Kelly Says

Think of it as an old way to say 'sheered' or 'clipped'—'beshear the sheep' instead of 'shear the sheep,' though the meaning is identical.

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