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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Carpal Tunnel
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OP
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858 |
Not long ago, I posted about "pollardize" meaning to severely cut back top growth of trees, in my neighborhood because their root system has been unable to expand sufficiently to maintain the necessary balance between shoot and root, in this area due to predominance of asphalt and houses over turf.
I have just started to re-read Dickens' Great Expectations, and the word "pollard" is used simply to mean a variety of tree. I wonder what the connection is.
I found one site which gave "pollard" as a type of willow in the Netherlands. And a dictionary definition:
Pollard \Pol"lard\, n. [From Poll the head.]
1. A tree having its top cut off at some height above the
ground, that may throw out branches. --Pennant.
2. A clipped coin; also, a counterfeit. [Obs.] --Camden.
3. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A fish, the chub.
(b) A stag that has cast its antlers.
(c) A hornless animal (cow or sheep).
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,189
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,189 |
Which brings to mind one of my favorite actors, Michael J. Pollard, who was perfect for the handful of roles he chose (see Bonnie & Clyde and Little Fauss and Big Halsey, always real laid-back and understated. But I never knew pollard wuz a bonafide word before. Thanks, Dr. Bill.
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