pas|ture

pas|ture «PAS chuhr, PAHS-», noun, verb, -tured, -tur|ing.

–n.

1. a grassy field or hillside; grasslands on which cattle, sheep, horses, or other grazing animals can feed: »

To-morrow to fresh woods and pastures new (Milton).

2. the grass and other plants growing in a field or on a hillside: »

These lands afford good pasture.

3. any area which serves as a source of food for something: »

Drifting plankton pastures are as necessary for good fish nutrition as grasses and vegetation are for land animals (Science News Letter).

–v.t.

1. to put (cattle, sheep, horses, or other grazing animals) out to pasture.

2. (of cattle, sheep, or other grazing animals) to feed on (grass or other growing plants).

3. (of land) to supply pasturage for.

–v.i.

1. (of cattle, sheep, horses, or goats) to graze: »

There were smooth areas where sheep had pastured (W. H. Hudson).

2. Obsolete. to afford pasture.

╂[< Old French pasture < Late Latin pāstūra < Latin pāstus, -ūs pasture, fodder < pāscere to feed]

–pas´tur|er, noun.