scarecrow

English

/ˈskɛə.kɹəʊ/, /ˈskɛəɹ.kɹoʊ/

noun
Definitions
  • An effigy, typically made of straw and dressed in old clothes, fixed to a pole in a field to deter birds from eating seeds or crops planted there.
  • (figuratively) A tall, thin, awkward person.
  • (figurative) Anything that appears terrifying but presents no danger.
  • A person clad in rags and tatters.
  • (UK) A bird, the black tern.

Etymology

Compound from English scare + English crow (crowbar, crow also metal lever)compound from Old English scȳn + Old English -els.

Origin

Old English

-els

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms