herds·man \ˈhərdzmən, ˈhə̄d-, ˈhəid-\noun (pluralherdsmen) Etymology: alteration of earlier herdman, from Middle English hirdman, herdman, from Old English hyrdeman, from hierde, hyrde herdsman + man — more at herd : a manager, breeder, or tender of livestock (as cattle or sheep)