ˈcross-bred, ppl. a.
[Cf. next and cross- 8.]
Bred from parents of different species or varieties; hybrid, mongrel. (Also absol. as n.) Also, (designating) wool from cross-bred sheep.
| 1856 Farmer's Mag. Jan. 70 In regard to cross-bred animals. 1880 Grant & Foster N.Z. iv. 42 The weight of these [fleeces] in the grease seemed to average about 5½ or 6 lbs., while that of the cross-breds were [sic] very little heavier. 1887 Daily News 1 Dec. 2/1 Whether the Hereford is to beat the Devon, or the cross-bred the Highlander. 1892 Ibid. 1 Feb. 2/7 Wools, both Botany and cross-breds. 1899 Daily News 7 Mar. 8/6 Fine crossbreds are also fairly firm, but the stronger descriptions, and English wools generally, are in small demand. 1941 [see auto-sex s.v. auto-]. 1955 [see come-back n.2 4]. 1962 Economist 11 Aug. 548/2 New Zealand's crossbred wools have drifted lower again. |