Definition of: shears

(shirz) noun plural
1. Any large cutting or clipping instrument worked by the crossing of cutting edges.
2. The ways or guides, as of a lathe.
3. An apparatus for hoisting and moving heavy objects, consisting of two or more spars with lower ends spread out and upper ends jointed to receive the tackle: also shear legs: sometimes spelled sheers.
4. The side frames of a steam fire engine. [See SHEAR]