shep·herd (shĕp'ərd)
n.

1. One who herds, guards, and tends sheep.
2. One who cares for and guides a group of people, as a minister or teacher.
3. A German shepherd.

tr.v., -herd·ed, -herd·ing, -herds.
To herd, guard, tend, or guide as or in the manner of a shepherd. See synonyms at guide.

[Middle English shepherde, from Old English scēaphierde : scēap, sheep + hierde, herdsman.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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