释义 |
hefted, a. Agric. (Eng. regional, north.) and Sc.). Brit. |ˈhɛftɪd|, U.S. |ˈhɛftəd| [‹ heft, variant of haft v.3 + -ed suffix1. Compare heft n.3] Of a flock of sheep, herd of cattle, etc.: possessing an instinct to remain on the same piece of unfenced land, as a result of having been bred there for many generations. Cf. haft v.3 Used esp. of sheep on a hill farm.
1858W. Dickinson Gloss. Words Cumberland 51 Hefted [sheep], mountain sheep let along with a farm, and depastured on a particular part of the common called a heaf. 1958Times 27 Jan. 2/1 These hefted or footed flocks, as they are known, have in many upland areas been passed from each occupier to his successor for several generations. 1971Country Life 28 Oct. 1166/1 Anticipated difficulties from depriving the hefted sheep of their age-old hefts or heafs have not occurred. 2001Guardian 15 Mar. ii. 18/5 A truly hefted flock or herd consists of sheep or cattle which have been bred for generations on the same piece of land, and they always instinctively return to this land. |