barking iron

English

This entry needs a photograph or drawing for illustration. Please try to find a suitable image on Wikimedia Commons or upload one there yourself!

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Noun

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