Shears
shears (?), n. pl. (Formerly used alsoin the singular. See Shear, n., 1.)
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.
Rotary shears. See under
Rotary.
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