The practice of gathering and guiding groups of animals, typically livestock. Can also describe guiding or directing groups of people in a similar manner.
From Old English 'heord' (flock, herd), related to German 'Herde' and ultimately from Proto-Germanic. The verb form developed from the noun, reflecting the ancient practice of managing domesticated animals in groups.
Herding was one of humanity's first collaborative relationships with animals, fundamentally changing both human society and animal evolution. Herding dogs still retain these ancient instincts, and we use 'herding cats' to describe the impossibly difficult task of organizing independent-minded individuals.
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