down-calvingadj.
/ˈdaʊnˌkɑːvɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈdaʊnˌkævɪŋ/ Of a cow: in calf, pregnant; close to the time of giving birth.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > cow > [adjective] > pregnant or near to giving birth
with calf1483
encalf1556
in-calf1556
springing1693
in calf1729
down-calving1790
coming in1839
incalving1856
1790 Times 5 Apr. 4/4 (advt.) Fifty Four fine young Heifers, all forward or down Calving.
1868 Gardener's Chron. 15 Aug. 877/2 It numbers but..six cows, two down-calving heifers, three yearlings, and three calves.
1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. Down-calving, in calf, and near the time of calving. (Very com.) 25 Down-calving cows and heifers.—Local advertisement of sale.
1931 Daily Express 15 Oct. 9/4 The Dilcock challenge cup for the best down calving cow.
1952 J. M. Murry Community Farm (1953) 47 We bought six down-calving shorthorn heifers.
1995 Farmers Weekly 21 July 100 (advt.) 37 young cattle from Freshwater, with 13 young cows and heifers from Hundays 30 freshly calved and down-calving young cows and heifers from Snow.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1790