pollard

[ pol-erd ]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to convert into a pollard.

pollard

/ 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

verb

1. tr to convert into a pollard; poll

Other Words From

• un·pollard·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pollard¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pollard¹

C16: hornless animal; see poll

Example Sentences

As with many of Banksy's works, the latest piece caused a debate and range of opinions, including from some conservation campaigners who say the tree was pruned back, or pollarded, too much.

From BBC

It features green paint on a wall behind a cut-back, or pollarded, tree to look like foliage.

From BBC

Willows are coppiced — cut regularly to within an inch or two of the base to flush fresh growth — or pollarded, with cuts made higher up on the trunk or branches.

From Seattle Times

I have always liked the formality of this garden, the gravel paths, the pollarded trees, the geometric patterns.

From New York Times

In my work as an arborist, I often visit wonderful woodlands — ancient forests of bristlecone pines, immense groves of redwoods, endless woods of quaking aspen or pollarded oaks.

From New York Times

Related Words

• prune
• shave
• shear