† ˈcow-shard Obs.
Also 6 -sherd, -shed, 6–7 -sheard.
[f. cow n.1 + shard, var. of sharn.]
Cow-dung; a cow-turd.
| 1579 Gosson Sch. Abuse (Arb.) 19 The Scarabe flies ouer many a sweete flower, and lightes in a cowshard. 1592 Greene Def. Conny Catch. (1859) 49 The beetle that..at night takes up his lodging in a cowsherd. 1599 Chapman Hum. Dayes Mirth Wks. (1873) I. 96 (D.) Blind as a beetle..that in cowsheds fall. 1626 Bacon Sylva §775 Turf and Peat and Cow-sheards are cheap Fewels. |