pinfold

[ pin-fohld ]

noun

1. a pound for stray animals.
2. a fold, as for sheep or cattle.
3. a place of confinement or restraint.

verb (used with object)

1. to confine in or as in a pinfold.

pinfold

/ ˈpɪnˌfəʊld /

noun

1. 1. a pound for stray cattle
   2. a fold or pen for sheep or cattle

verb

1. tr to gather or confine in or as if in a pinfold

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinfold¹

1150–1200; late Middle English pynfold for *pindfold, equivalent to Old English pynd ( an ) to impound (derivative of pund pound ³ ) + fold ²; replacing Middle English po ( u ) n ( d ) fold ( e ), late Old English pundfald

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinfold¹

Old English pundfald, from pound ³ + fold ²

Example Sentences

For then she must think of the cow’s fodder and of the herdsman’s hire, flatter the heyward, defend herself when her cattle is shut up in the pinfold and moreover pay the damage.

From Project Gutenberg

They hunted, an' they hollo'd, an' the next thing they did find Was a bull-calf in a pinfold, an' that too they left behind.

From Project Gutenberg

And, as to Cromwell, the people's shepherd has need to keep good count and careful watch; for wolves and foxes in sheep's clothing break into the pinfolds, kill and devour.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a servant of corruption, holding a candle to disorderly walkers and happy sinners on their way into the devil's pinfold.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the bush was driven down into the opening; and all that it was necessary to do, was to dip into the pinfold and take out great handfuls of fish.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• crate
• enclosure
• jail
• pen