forecutter

English

Etymology

Perhaps from Middle English *forecuttere, forekitter (found only in the sense of "incisor"), equivalent to fore- +‎ cutter.

Noun

forecutter (plural forecutters)

1. One who, or that which prepares by cutting
   • 1895, Commercial Relations of the United States with Foreign Countries, page 165:

     In front of each of these is a forecutter to prepare the ground.

   • 2011, Michelle Lina Marie Hitchcock, Goddess Holle:

     After their meal, farm hands and maidens go out and dance around the last sheaf, the forecutter then cuts it off and the sheaf is brought home under cheering.