Plowman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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plowman

[หˆplaสŠmษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

farming occupation

A plowman is a person who plows land, typically a farmer who uses a plow to till the soil for planting crops. This job is essential in agriculture as it prepares the land for sowing seeds. Historically, plowmen have played a crucial role in farming communities.

Synonyms

agriculturist, farmer, tiller.

Examples of usage

  • The plowman worked tirelessly from dawn until dusk.
  • In ancient times, the plowman was highly respected in his village.
  • As a dedicated plowman, he prepared fields for the upcoming planting season.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Agriculture

  • Plowmen were essential in traditional farming, as they significantly improved soil aeration and crop yields by turning over the earth.
  • With the introduction of the industrial revolution, mechanized plowing began to replace the plowman, leading to increased efficiency.

Literature

  • The plowman is a central character in Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales', symbolizing hard work and humble virtue.
  • In many rural narratives, the plowman represents the honest, hardworking person who connects the land and its blessings.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, plowmen are celebrated during harvest festivals for their role in food production.
  • The plowman's role signifies the close relationship between humans and nature, emphasizing sustainability and stewardship.

Historical Impact

  • The rise of plowing tools, such as the moldboard plow, revolutionized agriculture during the medieval period.
  • Plowing techniques have evolved over time, influencing agricultural practices and food systems globally.

Origin of 'plowman'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'plowman' comes from the Old English term 'plลhman', where 'plลh' means to plow.
  • The term has been in use since the Middle Ages, linking agricultural practices across centuries.

The word 'plowman' originates from Old English 'plลhman', where 'plลh' refers to 'plow' and '-man' indicates a person associated with a profession or role. The plow has been a critical tool in farming for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations where it revolutionized agriculture. As societies evolved, the role of the plowman became formalized within agrarian communities. In medieval England, for example, plowmen were often part of the feudal system, working the land and giving a share of the produce to their lords. Over time, as farming practices and technology advanced, the term 'plowman' retained its historical significance but also adapted to contemporary definitions. Today, while mechanization has taken over much of the plowing tasks, the term still evokes images of the hard work and dedication associated with traditional farming.