crop-eared

A dog with crop-eared markings sits alertly on a grassy lawn.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having the ears cropped or cut short: "crop-eared" describes an animal, especially a dog or horse, whose ears have been trimmed or docked, often for practical or cosmetic reasons.
   • Having short, closely cut hair that reveals the ears: In reference to a person, "crop-eared" means having hair cut very short, typically so that the ears are exposed and clearly visible.

Usage Examples

• (The dog had its ears trimmed short.)
• (His hair was cut very short, revealing his ears.)

Advanced Usage

• "crop-eared" as a descriptor in historical or literary contexts: The term often appears in descriptions of working animals (like hunting dogs) or in depictions of people with strict, utilitarian hairstyles.

  • The stable master preferred crop-eared horses for their neat appearance. (The horses had their ears docked for a tidy look.)

• Figurative use: Occasionally used to imply a rough, no-nonsense, or rustic character.

  • The crop-eared farmer spoke bluntly about the harvest. (His short hair and direct manner suggested a practical, unrefined nature.)

Variants and Related Words

• Crop (verb): to cut short or trim.
  • The groom will crop the horse's ears. (The groom will trim the horse's ears.)
• Ear (noun): the organ of hearing.
  • The dog's ear was cropped to prevent injuries. (The dog's ear was trimmed for safety.)

Synonyms

• Docked: having a part cut off (especially an animal's tail or ears).
• Trimmed: cut to a neat shape.
• Short-haired: having hair cut short (for people).

Related Idioms

• Crop up: to appear or happen unexpectedly (not directly related to "crop-eared" but shares the verb "crop").
  • Problems can crop up at any time. (Problems can arise suddenly.)