ˈsheep-mark
1. The mark used by a sheep-owner to distinguish his sheep, and app. formerly by illiterate persons as a substitute for their signature. Also fig.
| 1534 Cranmer Let. in Misc. Writ. (Parker Soc.) 291, I have caused one of my secretaries to subscribe for such persons, and made them to write their shepe mark, or some other mark, as they can..scribble. 1632 Brome North. Lass ii. i, A thumb-Ring with his Grandsirs Sheep-mark, or Grannams butter-print on't. a 1644 Quarles Sheph. Orac. ii. (1646) 22 Then brand them with a Crosse, Our Masters Sheepmarke. 1653 Baxter Christ. Concord 98 Have you forgotten your Masters sheep-mark? 1693 O. Heywood Best Entail iv, Children of believers are baptized,..and thus have God's sheep-mark set upon them betimes. 1875 Archæol. Cambrensis Ser. iv. VI. 94 Sheep-Marks. I. Bwlch plyg (folded notch).—This is produced by folding a certain part of the ear, and cutting off with the shears the part thus folded. 1887 Archæologia L. 373 note, When the commons were unenclosed, it was necessary for every one who had a right of pasture to have a sheep-mark that could be easily distinguished from those of his neighbours. |
† 2. A marking-tool for sheep. Obs.
| 1580 Tusser Husb. (1878) 38 [Husbandlie furniture.] A sheepe marke, a tar kettle. |