pedum
9.9
A long stick with a curved end that shepherds use to guide sheep
- noun
- Archaic
:
cetro de pastor
- The shepherd used his pedum to guide the flock safely through the hills.
Examples
-
With one hand, Theseus has a good grip on one of the Minotaur's horns, and the hero again wields his pedum in his other hand.
Academic text (2011) -
The pedum was Theseus's only weapon besides his skill at fighting and his not inconsiderable bulk and strength.
Academic text (2011) -
In ancient times, a pedum was an essential tool for shepherds managing their sheep.
-
He leaned on his pedum as he watched over the grazing sheep in the meadow.
Synonyms
staff
vspedum
105
4.5
A long stick used for support or as a sign of authority
is specific to guiding sheep with a curved end and ancient use
crook
vspedum
5
8.4
A long staff with a hooked end used by shepherds
is described as an ancient guiding tool rather than a common tending tool
shepherd's crook
vspedum
1
7.3
A long stick with a hooked end used to guide and catch sheep
is associated specifically with ancient times rather than general traditional use
Surface Forms
Etymology
Pedum was the Latin name for a curved staff, a 'hook' used by shepherds to guide sheep. So a pedum is best remembered as the old tool a shepherd uses to steer and protect a flock.