| 释义 |
ˈhead-mark Sc.
[f. head n.1 + mark n.]
1. The peculiarity of head, face, and features, which distinguishes each individual of a species: said primarily of sheep, and opposed to any artificial mark as of a brand or ‘buist’. Hence to know by head-mark: to know by personal appearance, recognize by face.
1727P. Walker Remark. Passages 169 (Jam.) K. James VI..knowing them all by head-mark. 1805Forsyth Beauties Scotl. II. 180 An intelligent shepherd knows all his sheep from personal acquaintance, called head-mark, and can swear to the identity of a sheep as he could to that of a fellow-servant. 1816Scott Antiq. xl. note. He knew every book, as a shepherd does the individuals of his flock, by what is called head-mark. 1888Bryce Amer. Commw. II. lx. 426 In cities where people do not know their neighbours by headmark.
2. A headland marking the limits of fields.
1820D. Turner Normandy II. 101 Not a fence to be seen; nor do there even appear to be any balks or head-marks. |