cowherd

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback

Etymology

From Middle English couherde, from Old English cūhierde, equivalent to cow + herd (“herder”). Doublet of Coward (the surname). Cognate with German Kuhhirte (“cowherd”). Compare shepherd, goatherd, swineherd, etc.

In classic literature

Synonyms

cowboy, cowpuncher, puncher, cowman, cattleman, cowpoke, cowhand

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