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3 definitions found
for Pruning
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :
Prune \Prune\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pruned; p. pr. & vb. n.
Pruning.] [OE. proine, probably fr. F. provigner to lay
down vine stocks for propagation; hence, probably, the
meaning, to cut away superfluous shoots. See Provine.]
1. To lop or cut off the superfluous parts, branches, or
shoots of; to clear of useless material; to shape or
smooth by trimming; to trim: as, to prune trees; to prune
an essay. --Thackeray.
[1913 Webster]
Taking into consideration how they [laws] are to be
pruned and reformed. --Bacon.
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Our delightful task
To prune these growing plants, and tend these
flowers. --Milton.
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2. To cut off or cut out, as useless parts.
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Horace will our superfluous branches prune.
--Waller.
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3. To preen; to prepare; to dress. --Spenser.
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His royal bird
Prunes the immortal wing and cloys his beak. --Shak.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :
Pruning \Prun"ing\, n.
1. The act of trimming, or removing what is superfluous.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Falconry) That which is cast off by bird in pruning her
feathers; leavings. --Beau. & Fl.
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Pruning hook, or Pruning knife, cutting instrument used
in pruning trees, etc.
Pruning shears, shears for pruning trees, vines, etc.
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From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) :
pruning
n 1: something that has been pruned off of a plant
2: the act of trimming a plant
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