Averruncator

An averruncator is a form of long shears used in arboriculture for averruncating or pruning off the higher branches of trees, etc.[1]

Fig.1 shows the handle and head of an averruncator. Fig. 2 shows the head in use.

Etymology

The word averruncate (from Latin averruncare, "to ward off, remove mischief") glided into meaning to weed the ground, prune vines, etc., by a supposed derivation from the Lat. ab, "off", and eruncare, "to weed out", and it was spelt aberuncate to suit this; but the New English Dictionary regarded such a derivation as impossible.[1]

Description

An averruncator has a compound blade attached to a handle between five and eight feet long. The blades are closed with a rope and pulley, and they are opened with a spring.

Notes

1. Chisholm 1911.

References

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Averruncator". Encyclopædia Britannica. 3 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 59.