Shears

Definitions

1. A tool consisting of two blades with bevel edges, connected by a pivot, used for cutting cloth, or for removing the fleece from sheep etc.
2. The bedpiece of a machine tool, upon which a table or slide rest is secured.
3. An apparatus for raising heavy weights, and especially for stepping and unstepping the lower masts of ships. It consists of two or more spars or pieces of timber, fastened together near the top, steadied by a guy or guys, and furnished with the necessary tackle. Also sheers.
4. Anything resembling a pair of shears in shape or motion, such as a pair of wings.

Equivalents

Examples

“Near-synonym: scissors”

“Cut⟳ with a shears using long, even strokes.”

“the shears of a lathe or planer”

“two sharp winged Shears, Decked with divers Plumes, like⟳ painted Jays, Were fixed at his Back, to cut⟳ his airy ways.”

CEFR level