sheep-fold

The shepherd leads the flock into the sheep-fold for the night.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An enclosure for sheep: A "sheep-fold" is a fenced or walled area where sheep are kept, typically for shelter or to prevent them from wandering.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The farmer led the flock into the sheep-fold for the night. (An enclosed area to keep sheep safe.)
  • The sheep-fold was built with sturdy wooden posts and wire mesh. (A structure designed to contain sheep.)

Advanced Usage

• "to gather the sheep into the fold": to collect sheep into the sheep-fold for protection or management.

  • Before the storm, the shepherd gathered the sheep into the fold. (The shepherd moved the sheep to safety.)

• "to stray from the fold": (metaphorical) to leave the safety or group, often used in religious or moral contexts.

  • The lost lamb had strayed from the fold and was found by the stream. (The lamb had wandered away from the enclosure.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sheep-cot (n): an alternative term for a sheep-fold, especially a small one.

  • The sheep-cot was located near the barn. (A small enclosure for sheep.)

• Sheep-cote (n): another variant of the same meaning.

  • The old sheep-cote was made of stone. (A historical term for a sheep enclosure.)

• Fold (n): a general term for an enclosure for domestic animals, especially sheep.

  • The fold was full of lambs. (The enclosure containing sheep.)

Synonyms

• Pen: a small enclosure for animals.
• Enclosure: a fenced area for livestock.
• Corral: a pen for livestock, often used in ranching.

Related Idioms

• "One's own sheep-fold": a phrase meaning one's own domain or area of responsibility.

  • He prefers to stay within his own sheep-fold rather than venture into new projects. (He sticks to his familiar area.)

• "Bringing back to the fold": (metaphorical) returning someone to a group or community, often used in religious contexts.

  • The pastor worked to bring the lost members back to the fold. (Reintegrating them into the congregation.)