bearward (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/bɛəˌwɔrd/

Meaning and Usage

A "bearward" is a person who tends to and handles bears, often in a circus or traveling show context. This term is not commonly used in modern English and has largely fallen out of favor. The frequency of use for "bearward" is low, and it may primarily appear in historical texts or literary references rather than in contemporary conversation or writing.

Example Sentences

1. The bearward entertained the crowd with his trained bear doing tricks.

2. (Медведевод развлекал публику с помощью трюков своего тренированного медведя.)

3. In medieval times, a bearward was a common sight at festivals and fairs.

4. (В средние века медведеводы были обычным зрелищем на фестивалях и ярмарках.)

5. The skills of a bearward required years of training and patience.

6. (Навыки медведевода требовали многих лет обучения и терпения.)

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "bearward" does not have widely recognized idiomatic expressions in modern usage due to its rarity. However, the historical context may evoke other idioms related to bears or handling them.

Example Sentences with Idiomatic Expressions

1. Keep a bear in your tent; avoid it like a bearward.

2. (Держи медведя в своей палатке, избегай его, как медведевода.)

3. Don’t let the bear loose; being a bearward isn’t for the faint-hearted.

4. (Не отпускай медведя; быть медведеводом не для слабонервных.)

Etymology

The word "bearward" is derived from the Middle English "berward," which itself comes from the Old English "bera" meaning "bear" combined with "ward," which means "keeper" or "guardian." It reflects a time when bears were tamed and exhibited for entertainment.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms - Bear handler - Bear trainer

Antonyms - Bear (in a non-keeping context) - Non-tamer

Conclusion

The term "bearward" connects to a historical context of bear handling and entertainment, illuminating a lifestyle that has mostly faded into history. It exemplifies a specialized occupation within medieval entertainment culture that had a unique relationship with animals. The word itself, while not commonly used today, adds richness to the English language reflecting the past.