sheerlegs

[ sheer-legz ]

noun

, (usually used with a plural verb)

1. shear ( def 16 ).

sheerlegs

/ ˈʃɪəˌlɛɡz /

noun

1. functioning as singular a device for lifting heavy weights consisting of two or more spars lashed together at the upper ends from which a lifting tackle is suspended Also calledshears

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheerlegs¹

sheer, spelling variant of shear + leg + -s ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheerlegs¹

C19: variant of shear legs

Example Sentences

While the artificers were busily engaged in cutting away the after portion of the damaged girder, and rounding off the broken part that terminated nearly abaft the after quick-firing gun, others of the crew rigged up a pair of sheerlegs and proceeded to unship the injured rudder, the engines being stopped and the submarine trimmed by its head to enable this to be done.

From Project Gutenberg