Definition

1. Noun:
   • The cutting blade of a plough: A ploughshare is the sharp, typically wedge-shaped metal component of a plough that cuts through and turns over the soil. It is the part that directly engages with and loosens the earth.

Usage

• The primary function of the ploughshare is to cut a furrow in the soil.
• It is a key part of traditional and modern agricultural equipment.

Examples

• The farmer had to replace the worn ploughshare before the spring planting.
• The invention of the iron ploughshare was a significant advancement in agriculture.
• The ploughshare sliced cleanly through the dense, compacted earth.

Advanced Usage

• "To beat swords into ploughshares": This is a common idiom derived from biblical prophecy (Isaiah 2:4, Micah 4:3), symbolizing the act of turning from war and military production (swords) to peaceful, productive pursuits like farming (ploughshares). It represents a shift from conflict to peace and cultivation.
  • The community's art project, which melted down old weapons to create garden tools, was a powerful act of beating swords into ploughshares.

Variants and Related Words

• Share: A common short form for "ploughshare" in agricultural contexts.
  • The blacksmith forged a new share for the old plough.
• Moldboard: The curved part of a plough behind the share that lifts and turns the soil. While distinct, it works in tandem with the ploughshare.
• Coulter: A vertical disc or blade on a plough that cuts the soil ahead of the ploughshare.

Synonyms

• Plowshare (US spelling)
• Soil slicer
• Furrow blade

Related Idioms

• "To beat swords into ploughshares": As described above, to convert military resources for peaceful civilian use.
  • The peace treaty was hailed as an opportunity for the nations to beat their swords into ploughshares.

Noun

1. a sharp steel wedge that cuts loose the top layer of soil