Definition of herd

The origin of the word "herd" can be traced back to the Old English word "hord," which meant "a group of animals kept under control or guarded." The word "hord" itself originated from the Proto-Germanic root "hordoz," which meant "to guard, defend, or protect." The Old English word "hord" evolved over time, and by the Middle English period (1100-1485), it had come to specifically refer to a group of cattle or other animals that were being kept together and guarded by a shepherd or herdsman. The word "hord" further evolved in Middle English to "herde" (with the addition of the Old English suffix "-e"), which then became "herd" in Early Modern English. The spelling of the word "herd" has remained relatively consistent since this time, with the only significant change being the dropping of the "e" in the second syllable during the 16th century. Today, the word "herd" is used to describe a group of animals that are closely aggregated and under the care of a shepherd, cowboy, or other animal handler. It is commonly used in reference to cattle, sheep, goats, and other domesticated livestock, as well as to wild animals such as buffalo, deer, and wildebeest that gather together in large numbers.