shears Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun large scissors with strong blades
  2. noun (physics) a deformation of an object in which parallel planes remain parallel but are shifted in a direction parallel to themselves
    shear.
    • the shear changed the quadrilateral into a parallelogram
  3. noun a large edge tool that cuts sheet metal by passing a blade through it
    shear.
  4. verb cut with shears
    shear.
    • shear hedges
  5. verb shear the wool from
    fleece; shear.
    • shear sheep
  6. verb cut or cut through with shears
    shear.
    • shear the wool off the lamb
  7. verb become deformed by forces tending to produce a shearing strain
    shear.

WordNet

Shears noun plural
Etymology
Formerly used also in the singular. See Shear, n.,1.
Definitions
  1. A cutting instrument. Specifically: (a) An instrument consisting of two blades, commonly with bevel edges, connected by a pivot, and working on both sides of the material to be cut, -- used for cutting cloth and other substances.
    Fate urged the shears, and cut the sylph in twain. Pope.
    (b) A similar instrument the blades of which are extensions of a curved spring, -- used for shearing sheep or skins. (c) A shearing machine; a blade, or a set of blades, working against a resisting edge.
  2. Anything in the form of shears. Specifically: (a) A pair of wings. Obs. Spenser. (b) 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. Written also sheers.
  3. (Mach.) The bedpiece of a machine tool, upon which a table or slide rest is secured; as, the shears of a lathe or planer. See Illust. under Lathe.

Webster 1913