shears

Etymology

noun

1. plural of shear

noun

1. A tool consisting of two blades with bevel edges, connected by a pivot, used for cutting cloth, or for removing the fleece from sheep etc.
   Cut with a shears using long, even strokes. 1974, Phyllis W. Schwebke, Margaret B. Krohn, How to Sew Leather, Suede, Fur, page 20
2. (engineering) The bedpiece of a machine tool, upon which a table or slide rest is secured.
   the shears of a lathe or planer
3. 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. Also sheers.
4. Anything resembling a pair of shears in shape or motion, such as a pair of wings.

verb

1. third-person singular simple present indicative of shear