barking iron

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English

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Pronunciation

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Noun

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barking iron (plural barking irons)

  1. (obsolete, especially in plural) A tool used to remove the bark from trees.
    • 1807, a Society of Gentlemen, The Complete Farmer: Or, General Dictionary of Agriculture 5th edition
      With this barking iron, the peeler is enabled to thrust forwards by the operation of both his arms, in separating the strong bark of the bodies of the trees
  2. (dated, slang) A pistol.
    Synonym: barker