Webster's 1828 Dictionary
PRUNING
ppr. Lopping off superfluous branches; trimming; clearing of what is superfluous.
PRUNING
n.In gardening and agriculture, the lopping off the superfluous branches of trees, either for improving the trees or their fruit.
PRUNING-HOOK, PRUNING-KNIFE
n.An instrument used in pruning trees. It is of various forms.
Webster's 1913 Dictionary
PRUNING
PRUNING Prun "ing, n.
1. The act of trimming, or removing what is superfluous.
2. (Falconry )
Defn: That which is cast off by bird in pruning her feathers; leavings. Beau. & Fl. Pruning hook, or Pruning knife, cutting instrument used in pruning trees, etc. -- Pruning shears, shears for pruning trees, vines, etc.
New American Oxford Dictionary
pruning hook
prun ing hook ▶noun a cutting tool used for pruning, consisting of a hooked blade on a long handle.
pruning knife
prun ing knife ▶noun a knife specifically designed for pruning, typically having a sharp, slightly curved blade and a hooked end.
Oxford Dictionary
pruning hook
prun ¦ing hook ▶noun a cutting tool used for pruning, consisting of a hooked blade on a long handle.
pruning knife
prun ing knife ▶noun a knife specifically designed for pruning, typically having a sharp, slightly curved blade and a hooked end.
The Wordsmith Dictionary