Obs. Also 6 -sherd, -shed, 6–7 -sheard. [f. COW sb.1 + SHARD, var. of SHARN.] Cow-dung; a cow-turd.
1579. Gosson, Sch. Abuse (Arb.), 19. The Scarabe flies ouer many a sweete flower, and lightes in a cowshard.
1592. Greene, Def. Conny Catch. (1859), 49. The beetle that … at night takes up his lodging in a cowsherd.
1599. Chapman, Hum. Dayes Mirth, Wks. (1873), I. 96 (D.). Blind as a beetle … that in cowsheds fall.
1626. Bacon, Sylva, § 775. Turf and Peat and Cow-sheards are cheap Fewels.
