Part of Speech: v.
Quotation: The number of wolves in the refuge is increasing, and biologists are beginning to see browse that is “broomed,” a term used to describe willows that have been topped and are mushrooming, Aderman said.
Author:
Tim Mowry
Article, Document, Publication, Web Site:
News-Miner Publishing Location:
Fairbanks, Alaska
Date of Publication:
June 12, 2008
This catchword has yet to be researched.
Comments:
This is odd, because the word “pollarded” exists to describe willows that have been topped, thus producing a lot of new, thin, straight shoots, known as osiers or withies. Osiers are mostly used for basket making. A traditional broom, or besom, is usually made of birch twigs, not willow, though osier is often used to bind the twigs to the handle. Maybe the author misremembered something.
by Cris Whetton 16 Jun 08, 0940 GMT