Pollard Meaning and Definition
Pollard
Pronunciation
/ˈpɒlərd/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A Pollard is a type of sweet chestnut tree (Castanea sativa) characterized by having one or more branches cut back to one-third to one-half of their length, usually to encourage new growth or to increase production of nuts.
Examples
- The farmer pruned the Pollard tree to promote new growth.
- Pollard trees are commonly used for timber and food.
Synonyms
- Chestnut
- Sweet Chestnut
Antonyms
- Wild Chestnut
- Uncultivated Chestnut
Etymology
The word “Pollard” is derived from the Middle English word “pollen,” meaning “head” or “top,” and refers to the practice of cutting back branches to encourage new growth.
Usage Notes
The term “Pollard” is typically used in horticulture and agriculture to refer to a specific type of tree management practice. However, in some regions, it may also be used as a surname.
Cultural References
The term “Pollard” has been mentioned in various literary and poetic works, including William Butler Yeats’s poem “The Wanderings of Oisin,” where it is used to describe the pruning of a tree.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
None found.
Related Words or Phrases
Hedging, Pruning, Budding, Grafting
Collocations
Pollard tree, Pollard pruning, Pollard method
Frequency of Use
The term “Pollard” is relatively uncommon in modern language, but it is still used among horticulturists and farmers who practice pollarding.
Common Misspellings
Pollard, Pollard tree, Pollard method