01 n. pl. A cutting instrument.
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1.
A cutting instrument.“Fate urged the shears, and cut the sylph in twain.” — Pope.
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2.
A similar instrument the blades of which are extensions of a curved spring, -- used for shearing sheep or skins.
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3.
Anything in the form of shears.[Obs.]
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4.
The bedpiece of a machine tool, upon which a table or slide rest is secured; as, the shears of a lathe or planer. See Illust. under Lathe.(Mach.) See: Lathe
Phrases & compounds
Rotary shears —
See under Rotary.