flock

1. 1

   A number of birds together in a group, such as those gathered together for the purpose of migration.; A large number of animals associated together in a group; commonly used of sheep, but (dated) also used for goats or other livestock animals, or sometimes any group of animals.collective

   • He told his father, and said it would be just suitable work for him to run about fields and woods amongst the strawberry hills after a flock of hares, and now and then lie down and take a nap on some sunny hill.
   • Into the trees / Past meadow grounds / And further away from my home / Baying behind me / I hear the hounds / Flock's chasing to find me alone / A trail of sickness / Leading to me / If I am haunted / Then you will see
2. 2

   A number of birds together in a group, such as those gathered together for the purpose of migration.; The group of sheep being watched by one shepherd.collective

3. 3

   A number of birds together in a group, such as those gathered together for the purpose of migration.; A large number of people.collective

   • The heathen […] came to Nicanor by flocks.
4. 4

   Those served by a particular pastor or shepherd.

   • But lapsed into so long a pause again / As half amazed, half frighted all his flock: [...]
   • I also have other sheep that are not from this pen. I must lead them. They, too, will respond to my voice. So they will be one flock with one shepherd.
5. 5

   Those served by a particular pastor or shepherd.; A religious congregation.

syn. bunch · gaggle · horde · host · legion · litter · nest · rabble · swarm · throng · wake

1. 1

   To congregate in or head towards a place in large numbers.intransitive

   • People flocked to the cinema to see the new film.
2. 2

   To flock to; to crowd.obsoletetransitive

   • Good fellows, trooping, flocked me so.

1. 1

   Coarse tufts of wool or cotton used in bedding.countableuncountable

2. 2

   A lock of wool or hair.countableuncountable

   • I prythee, Tom, beat Cut's saddle, put a few flocks in the point.
3. 3

   Very fine sifted woollen refuse, especially that from shearing the nap of cloths, formerly used as a coating for wallpaper to give it a velvety or clothlike appearance; also, the dust of vegetable fibre used for a similar purpose.countableuncountable

   • There was a neat hat-and-umbrella stand, and the stranger's weary feet fell soft on a good, serviceable dark-red drugget, which matched in colour the flock-paper on the walls.

1. 1

   To coat a surface with dense fibers or particles; especially, to create a dense arrangement of fibers with a desired nap.transitive

   • the sampling and elution advantages of flocked swabs versus spun swabs
2. 2

   To cover a Christmas tree with artificial snow.transitive

3. 3

   To treat a pool with chemicals to remove suspended particles.transitive